​AZ Innovative Learning Collaborative Developing Makerspaces Network

The Arizona Innovative Learning Collaborative will  develop a Makerspaces Network to promote the adoption of Makerspaces in Arizona, and to connect Makerspace students and innovators engaged in Makerspaces initiatives that will enable them to implement Makerspaces to effectively address the needs of their organizations, communities and constituents.

What Is A Makerspace?

 Makerspaces,  also referred to as Innovation Spaces, Hackerspaces, Tech Shops, or Fab Labs (fabrication laboratories) are generally fun, unstructured, collaborative, and creative DIY work spaces. They provide opportunities for hands-on designing, building, prototyping, hacking, crafting, and repair of almost anything, digital or physical, high or low-tech. Makers can tinker with various tools and materials to turn their ideas into reality and explore their own interests while sharing skills, supplies, resources and ideas. They learn new skills and often work together on projects. 

These spaces are open to young people and/or adults. Makerspaces are emerging in schools, community colleges, universities, or other public/private facilities such as libraries, nonprofit organizations, or science centers. You might find Makers working on everything from electronics, computers, robotics, 3D printers, computer-aided design, coding, digital arts and graphic design, to woodworking, sewing, and even cooking and gardening. You will even see entrepreneurs using Makerspaces as incubators and accelerators for their business startups.  

Makerspaces may have high tech tools and equipment such as computers (including tiny and affordable Raspberry Pi computers used to learn programming), CAD software, 3D printers, laser cutters, circuit boards, Arduino microcontroller-based kits (pocket-sized computer and open-source electronics prototyping hardware and software platform used to program and control interactive objects such as robots), manufacturing equipment such as CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines, or low tech supplies and equipment such as soldering irons, sewing machines, wood, textiles, cardboard, Legos and art supplies.

​Why Makerspaces – Benefits and Opportunities. 

Young people and adults participating in Makerspaces are developing new skills, particularly in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). These hands on learning experiences develop critical thinking skills, boost self-confidence and teach team work skills when working on collaborative projects such as robotics teams.  They are learning about design, prototyping, exploration, invention, discovery, and making mistakes in pursuit of new ideas.

​As schools and businesses continue to promote Innovative Learning strategies and twenty-first century skills, there is no doubt that Makerspaces will play a crucial role in helping students and learners of all ages be better prepared for the future.