Robotics in Makerspaces?

[Owen Boynton]

I'm at a school that is currently fairly far along in planning a "center for design" for grades 6-12. The center will feature computer labs, audio/recording spaces, and two rooms that are Makerspace-types, one which will include lighter materials, and the other with heavier machinery. Right now, it doesn't have a dedicated robotics space, but we are hoping to accommodate robotics in one of the areas we are planning.

If anyone here as experience with robotics, does it make sense that it could be housed in a makerspace where a lot of other projects and classes might be taking place? Would a small, dedicated robotics room be better? I'd be looking, hopefully, at a program that attracts 20-30 or so dedicated students, eventually, for a club after school, and in more informal projects. I'm trying to get a sense as I make suggestions to the admin at school what sort of space should be set aside, what sort of equipment investment for a good high school program is required. Any thoughts or resources at all are appreciated.

Thanks.

Owen

[Jason Mickelson]

I can only speak to the FLL (FIRST LEGO League) robotics in middle school. The last two years we have had our FLL team (grades 6-8) in our one-room-has-it-all maker space classroom after school. It isn't ideal because the tabletop competition mat/board (4' x 8') can't stay set up between team meetings which means we have to spend an extra 10 minutes on both ends of class to setup and clean up and the competition board (a heavy beast even with a 2" foam floor) has to be stored in corners, hallways, even outdoors when classes are in session during the school day. At least I get a good upper body workout. It also means kids that want to try things out or spectate before school or at lunch just can't. We are seriously considering relocating the FLL class and materials to our lower school campus in an auxiliary room that might also act as an unofficial maker space. Many engineering or maker spaces at high schools I've visited have had dedicated robotics spaces with floor courses. 

[Diego Fonstad]

If you have the luxury of doing so, providing your robotics team and adjacent dedicated space would be best.  Most robotics programs (FLL and FIRST... the Tech Challenge) often require a field setup that in theory could be put away but in practice is much easier to leave up.  

The Castilleja space was built for dual use but when FLL or FIRST is in full swing, the space is constrained even though those two programs are technically after school programs.  

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[Kevin Jarrett]

Hi, Owen!

Welcome to the community! (Same to all the other recent folks who have introduced themselves...)

I would echo the sentiments here in favor of a dedicated space for the robotics team and their equipment etc. If that's not possible, you might want to check out this ingenious "trundle table" design that Metairie Park Country Day school (Metairie, LA) has designed:

https://twitter.com/lmlawrence/status/956947245689163782

Essentially, the LEGO robotics table rolls underneath the makerspace table, allowing it to remain set up, while also securing everything by keeping it all out of sight. Very slick!

I can connect you directly with Linda Lawrence at Metairie Park Country Day, or you can reach out to her on Twitter, she's terrific and loves talking about their design (and their program). Let me know!

Good luck with the planning!

Best,

Kevin Jarrett

[Amira Abdel-Aal]

I am JUST starting to learn and develop an Innovation Lab/Makerspace. This will be our first year developing something like this. So it’s very preliminary. Any feedback on how to start robotics in a 6-8th environment? 

Thank you,

Amira 

Sent from my iPhone

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[Kevin Jarrett]

Hi, Amira!

Sure, but first, tell us all about your school, yourself, the experience you wish to create for your learners ... will you be doing the program during the school day or after school? Have your students had any experience with robotics, coding or making? And, does the high school they will likely attend have any sort of robotics program, or is there anything available in the community for kids interested in robotics?

Whatever your answers, we can help!

Best, kj

[Maureen Reilly]

Hi Amira,

For FIRST LEGO League, FIRST has a getting started a program for first-time teachers called FIRST Steps:

http://info.firstinspires.org/fll-first-steps-request

Also, LEGO Education has recently launched brand new getting started with LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 aimed at Middle School teachers. Check it out: https://education.lego.com/en-us/support/mindstorms-ev3

There is also a PD opportunity at Tufts University in June, the LEGO Education Symposium and STEM Education Conference

http://tuftsstemedconference.org/summer2018/

Good luck!

- Maureen Reilly

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[Christy Cate]

I have seen it work both ways... We have a dedicated maker space that we actually have a room next door for robots and drones to be stored on shelves all around the room. They bring them into the big "Garage" room when testing, driving, etc. We labeled the storage area Ro-Body Shop so other maker "stuff" doesn't get in the way of builds. Here is a pic of glancing into the room. Shelves are all the way around... FYI... It's NEVER this clean normally!