The Maker Movement In Schools

The "maker movement" is alive and well across the country.  Do-it-Yourselfers are tinkering in their spaces, building and creating really cool things.  This movement has gained traction, and as a result has now begun to make its way into schools and classrooms.

But what will be the purpose for bringing the maker concept to the classroom? How will it be integrated? What will be the indicators of effectiveness?  These questions are not unique to the maker concept, but reflect the challenges that arise when integrating any new idea, program, strategy, etc., with the established school curricula, teaching methods, and accountabiities.  But as schools and districts begin to move again toward addressing the needs of the whole child,  opportunities such as the maker movement will help to facilitate that effort. In a recent NPR story, 3 Challenges As Hands-On, DIY Culture Moves Into Schools, Eric Westervelt shares his thoughts on the challenges and possibilities of the maker movement in schools and in classrooms.