Makerspaces allow students to take control of their own learning as they take ownership of projects they have not just designed but defined. At the same time, students often appreciate the hands-on use of emerging technologies and a comfortable acquaintance with the kind of experimentation that leads to a completed project.  In a thriving Makerspace you will see multiple spaces, levels, surfaces and materials being used in a variety of rich and engaging ways  - this can sometimes look like 'organised chaos' to the outsider! It is important to note that the learning is more often than not in the process not the product.

 Kaitlin and Kayla - Problem Solvers, 3D Planners and Designers

As part of classroom learning (in an Year 6 collaborative ILE) this Maths group of 30 students were immersed in using mathematical concepts to plan and design 3D bird feeders (the over arching theme of the term being Native Aotearoa). In 2017 we will have 3D printers in our Makerspace so this learning experience could have gone a step further to print their creations out and then reflect, refine and redesign.