Makerspace is a buzzword you hear more and more these days, but many people do not know exactly what that word means. A makerspace is a space in which to innovate, to create something from nothing. Young makers build sculptures out of recycled material or create works of art with unique mediums, while older makers invent instruments and tools, or design and print using three-dimensional (3D) technology.

Living Montessori’s makerspace is a sought-after exploratory space for our students. This space gives children a chance to design and make a variety of objects and use tools along with their knowledge of Science, Technology, Art, Engineering and Math (STEAM) in their creations.

Makerspace gives students a chance to experiment, to build whatever is in their imagination. It fuels their creativity by seeing what they can make out of different materials as they incorporate all aspects of STEAM education.

– Afrose Amlani, Head of School, Living Montessori Education Community

Children ages three and up have access to makerspace materials and our elementary student’s curriculum is heavily integrated with STEAM. The elementary classroom is equipped with a large makerspace where materials and tools are always accessible. This designated space opens up opportunities for more hands-on learning, incorporate aspects of various disciplines into the same project, foster teamwork, and fuel children’s imaginations.

Afrose explained that students have been doing this type of work in the classroom for years but having an area available is a chance to bring STEAM learning to the next level. Students may build a variety of creations, take things apart and put them back together, and understand both the mechanics of how things work as well as the creative aspects of design and display.

Our makerspace fosters innovation from a young age and encourages children to develop problem solving skills that begins with curiosity. Kids are able to repurpose materials for things they build and take apart a number of electronics and gadgets. This helps children not only understand how things are made but inspires them to think outside the box and think beyond conventional solutions.

We are living in a world where it is time to innovate, think differently about how to do things, Afrose said. This space guides children toward critical thinking, repurposing materials, and finding new solutions. Kids are not just benefitting from the end product; they are going behind the scenes and seeing how things are built, how things can be made better.

See Living Montessori’s Makerspace

To see Living Montessori’s makerspace in person, schedule a tour today!