How can the reference interview inform Maker spaces? Interview with Joel Spencer

Interview with Joel Spencer: Maker Spaces and the Reference Interview Joel Spencer is a native of Champaign, Illinois. Joel graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in history in 2008, and a master’s degree in library and information science in 2010. While in library school Joel focused on community engagement and teenContinue reading “How can the reference interview inform Maker spaces? Interview with Joel Spencer”

What do children learn by making? An interview with Edward Clapp

Edward Clapp is an author of Maker-Centered Learning: Empowering Young People to Shape Their Worlds. This book, and the research behind it, are an initiative of the Agency by Design project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero. One of the challenges in talking about “making” is how big our definition can grow.Continue reading “What do children learn by making? An interview with Edward Clapp”

What does a successful maker space in a children’s museum looks like? Interview with Dr. Michael Hanchett Hanson

“Maker Spaces” are currently in vogue: they are now a fairly standard component of children’s museums, and many art museums have drop-in spaces for children and families to create art during their visit. Schools and libraries are interested in maker spaces as well. As with any other exhibit, a maker space is not inherently successful.Continue reading “What does a successful maker space in a children’s museum looks like? Interview with Dr. Michael Hanchett Hanson”

What are your best maker-based activities?

Like many children’s museums, the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum has a “maker” exhibit, where children can use tools (hammers, saws, drills, glue guns, etc) to make things. As I watch the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum educators develop prompts and activities for this area, I wonder if we are re-inventing the wheel. So many museums areContinue reading “What are your best maker-based activities?”