Makerspace Starter Kit

All images are links to either products or websites that I use in our library makerspace.

3D Modeling

Makerbot Printer - A true plug and play 3D printer.

Creality 3D Printer - A DIY printer which allows for kids to build their printer themselves.

Hatchbox Filament - This is cheap and solid universal PLA filament.

Tinkercad Software - Free web-based 3D modeling software to create STL files to print/cut.

Carbide3d Nomad - Easy to use enclosed CNC Desktop milling machine.

Coding

Sphero - Codeable robots that allows for draw, block, and Java-based coding.

Parrot Drones - Codeable drones.

Sphero App - Free app to code and drive the Sphero robot products in addition to numerous activities and coding instruction.

Tynker App - Free app to code drones and other connected devices as well as comprehensive coding curriculum.

Scratch - The godfather of block-based coding from MIT.

Robotics/Electronics

Hummingbird - Comprehensive robotics kits with a variety of uses and activities.

Littlebits - Simple to use and easy to learn electronics kits.

SamLabs - Another simple robotics/electronics kits that are intuitive and easy to use.

Makey Makey - A fun kit to turn anything into a controller or gamepad.

Snap Circuits - This is great for all ages and helps kids create and build electric circuits.

Building/Prototyping

Storage

Legos - The best Makerspace material for the past 90+ years.

Keva Planks - Building blocks that are a crowd favorite and easy to use.

K’Nex - A versatile building product for kids to create many different products.

Newspaper - Great for prototyping and costs little/nothing.

Cardboard - The universal material in a Makerspace and easy to find. I hit up my local grocery stores as they are always willing to get rid of cardboard.

Painter's Tape - I prefer the painter's tape over duct tape as it allows for resources to be reused and is easy for kids to tear. Plastic Cups - These are versatile as they can be used for numerous building projects.

Sticks - Another handy supply in a makerspace which can be used in numerous projects.

Snapware Containers - These are the best containers because they come in different sizes, have snapping lids, and stack really well.

Activity Trays - When kids are working on projects, especially with small pieces, a tray is a great way to keep it all together.

Tray Storage - This little unit is great for storing small electronics pieces as well as drill bits.

Professional Resources

The KickStart Guide to Making a GREAT Makerspace by Laura Fleming. A great guide to getting a makerspace up and running in any school environment.

Your Starter Guide to Makerspaces by Nicholas Provenzano. This is another great starter guide from a teacher walking the walk with makerspaces.

Launch by John Spencer and AL Juliani. I love this book as a framework for kids designing and building projects in a makerspace.

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