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For many children across the United States, school is back in session – and it’s shaping up to be a school year unlike anything they have ever experienced.
The classroom will look different this fall, but at HON, we’re committed to developing solutions that support ongoing learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.
A makerspace can provide unique, creative, hands-on learning for students. We sat down with Whitney Potratz, Product Marketing Manager (Tables, Learning, WPT) for The HON Company, and Tom Walsh, Director of Education for CORE Office Interiors for expert insight into makerspaces and how to bring them to life.
Put simply, a makerspace is an environment for students to be active participants in their own learning. The ideal makerspace is minimalist; think of butcher block, sturdy tables, and thoughtfully crafted storage that allows arts and crafts to be transported easily so that each student has his or her own materials.
They can move about freely, whether a table or network of tables is the centerpiece, and truly interact and engage. While teacher-based learning is traditionally done in a group setting, the makerspace offers an educational opportunity that puts the students in control. Kids prefer to be active and engaged, which is what makes a makerspace an attractive option. It facilitates the type of learning that kids want.
“You’re encouraging kids to collaborate in this space,” Potratz said. “Makerspaces involve a lot of mobile furniture, storage, and movable tables and chairs throughout. This space, in our minds, involves grouped tables as opposed to individual desks. It’s interactive and caters to the type of learning that students are most interested in.”
The emphasis on active learning is what differentiates a makerspace from a traditional learning space. Facilitating creativity and collaboration is key, while keeping in mind that the makerspace should offer a completely different style than the customary classroom.
“(The makerspace) is kind of like a flipped classroom,” Walsh said. “The students are doing less intaking of information and then taking it home, using homework as an example. Instead, you’re using the makerspace time to apply those ideas and concepts in a hands-on way.”
Classrooms can be busy. There are classes of different sizes in different schools, but a common thread is that there’s a lot going on.
The focus should remain on “doing,” Potratz said. Simplicity is key.
“If I were to think back to when I was in school, I would’ve loved a makerspace. I learn best by doing, and not reading about how to do something,” she said. “In this space, the kids are actually doing the experiments and the engineering. They’re building things and learning as they go along. In makerspaces, you’ll see hammers, screwdrivers, scissors, and things hanging on peg boards. It’s real-life experience, ultimately.”
And in a time when “uncertainty” is a popular buzzword, having a flexible and adaptable option is an advantage. The makerspace is an extension of the classroom and can be something kids look forward to.
“Kids need to socialize, and it’s good for their development,” Potratz said. “Having this special place to go to makes it fun. It’s so different from what they’re used to. And now, in the pandemic, this type of space is a destination. They’re involved in fun activities and they get to see their friends who they aren’t seeing every day.”
“A makerspace can be almost a portal into a different area of the school,” Walsh added. “It's not like the other rooms. Even by using different furniture in the space, you can foster an environment of creation, and there are often playful bright colors in the space too. Students get excited because it’s different, it’s fresh, and they’re energized by it.”
HON recognized the need for products that serve educators and students in order to create fresh, fun spaces for learning. With that in mind, there are several options that integrate seamlessly into a makerspace to develop a safe and educational environment for kids.
HON will soon be launching a makerspace table, and this product is ideal for collaboration among students. In addition, HON has introduced new screens that divide space and are easily-cleaned, along with hand sanitizer stands and metal stools that can be quickly wiped down.
Storage is a key consideration for the makerspace, as well. Once installed, SmartLink storage bins can be easily removed by the student and taken to their makerspace table. Contain locker storage offers an easy-to-reach option for safely securing valuables. All HON storage products stand up to continuous cleaning and can be used for a variety of tools and materials.
Keeping our students engaged and on the path to a quality educational experience is no small task, but the makerspace is designed to serve as an exciting conduit between the classroom and outside learning.
With a variety of products available (and more on the way), HON is the ideal partner to bring your space to life. For more information, please visit hon.com.
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