Makerspace Flooring & Furniture Recommendations?

[Laura Hollis]

Hi Fab Lab Megaminds,

I am working to design our Makerspace/Graphics Lab space and wondered if you have any suggestions for the best flooring and work tables?

The two areas are currently carpeted and I am thinking a raised floor with wiring underneath is going to be best for cleaning the space when kids are cutting paper, using glue guns, 3d print scraps, etc.

If you have any leads on specific work tables or flooring styles you can recommend or suggest we steer clear of, i would really appreciate it!

Thanks!
Laura Hollis

On Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 1:44 PM, Caleb Clark <calebjo...@gmail.com> wrote:

Useful thread. I'm co-facilitating a 2-hour workshop to get some K-12 teachers started with wearables - lights and sensors.  I only want them to get the blinky light "Ah ha" moment, learn to sew a basic connection, and be able to work with the Arduino ADE. Then they can take the kit home and work more on their own fabric and projects.

I'm glad to see the Gemma is favored here, This is my leading contender for the kit I need to buy (and some thrift store clothing), AdaFruits Gemma kit: : https://www.adafruit.com/product/1849

But what about Sparkfun's ProtoSnap - LilyPad Development Board????  https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11262

On Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 11:09:13 AM UTC-5, laurahollis525 wrote:

Hi Everyone!

We are about to introduce a pretty cool interdisciplinary unit for 8th graders and I wondered if you could give me some advice about what to have on hand as they explore the world of wearable tech?

Students will be inventing/designing an item in science class during the circuitry unit. We expect some of them to use the 3D printer, LEDs, conductive thread, etc. They will then incorporate this item into a magazine cover they design and will produce a video about their product. They will write persuasive copy for their magazine pitch and cover as well as a script for the video in English class. Finally, the students will have a chance to pitch their ideas and wearable tech concepts to the real-life magazine execs in NYC in March.

So, I have ordered copies of this book for all teachers involved in the project to share with students: http://www.makershed.com/products/make-wearable-electronics

Our idea as a warm-up/testing ground is to have a tinker time after school where we have tables of stuff (a la Constructing Modern Knowledge style) for any middle schoolers who want to hang out and play. 

This is our first go at anything like this and I am in charge of the grocery list - so my question is = What should I buy for that tinkering table to get started? What items do we need to have available for kids to try out before their initial design?

So far, I have: LEDs, batteries, cloth material, felt, conductive thread, conductive tape, arduino/lily pad kits...

Are there any tools or materials you can suggest to add to our collection in its infancy?

Thanks so much!

--

Laura Hollis

Director of Technology

Saddle River Day School

(551) 579-6708  

(201) 327-4050 x1234

Nurture. Challenge. Achieve.

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Laura Hollis

Director of Technology

Saddle River Day School

(551) 579-6708  

(201) 327-4050 x1234

Nurture. Challenge. Achieve.

[Mark Loundy]

Laura,

We kept our tile flooring. It's a lot easier to sweep/mop. We're also fortunate in having built-in electrical receptacles in the floor. So, if you can afford it, I would say go with the raised flooring, but avoid carpet.