When I started the Makerspace at Burroughs, we needed supplies. I researched online and discovered that many of the items needed were other peoples recyclables. I put out a call to parents and staff for items and quite a bit were donated.
Fast forward two years later and on any given day you will find random bags of paper towel and toilet paper rolls in my office, waiting at my door when I get to work or handed to me at a party by a friend who's heard I'm collecting. Because people are still donating. Every week. I haven't asked anyone for them in months. Yet they still end up here. Along with egg cartons, old muffin tins, anything that people thing might be useful in a Makerspace.
People who don't have children, people who are low income, friends, and parents are continuing to use this project as a way to make a difference. And it does make a difference. And all of these items are useful.
Next month one of our sixth grade history classes will be building the civilizations that they have designed. This is a Problem Based Learning project that is weeks in the making. They have studied ancient civilizations during the year and are using pieces from all of the places to design their own civilization complete with government, buildings, and people. They will go into the Makerspace and build these places they have dreamed up with, yep, toilet paper rolls.
I've realized throughout this STEAM and Makerspace adventure that simply talking about the ideas and theories behind these projects isn't enough. We have to create the space, we have to collect the supplies, and we have to help these kids engage. By encouraging the community to engage with the students we all to reap the benefits, and see the amazing results.
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