Beginner Makerspaces for Starting a Makerspace

Starting a makerspace? We have you covered.

Although the traditional woodshop is now a rare find in middle and high schools, thankfully makerspaces have come to take their place. With a combination of manual and digital fabrication tools, this new approach to learning is a great way to help students develop “life-ready” skills and interest in STEAM related subjects.

What factors merit setting up a makerspace in your academic building?

  • A need for safe, basic, simple-to-run makerspace tech
  • A need for a modular, expandable plan created with a view to the future
  • A need for a space that can be shared with a greater education community

 

The benefit of educational makerspaces is not limited to the under-18 set. Library makerspaces are filling a need for users of all experience levels to have access to modern fabrication tools that bring their ideas alive.

Our technology consultants are skilled in assessing the needs of a school, and creating a beginner’s makerspace that is future-focused, budget-friendly and easy for students and faculty to use and maintain. Scroll down for helpful resources for administrators, faculty and architects navigating the process of installing a practical education makerspace.

Beginner’s Makerspace: Sample Plans When Starting a Makerspace

Slide to view examples of custom plans for beginner academic makerspaces.

 

Related Project
Makerspaces for Libraries
Makerspaces for Libraries STEM Lab Equipment | New England Fab Labs and…
Planning a project?
For Instructors

Why choose AET for all your makerspace needs?

 

What make us unique, is our relationship with the New England educational community. Some of our biggest investments have been made to help support instructors in the following areas:

 

  • Quality – For over 15 years, we’ve been creating relationships with some of the biggest and most reputable manufacturers in the industry, so you know that you’ll be getting the most relevant and highest quality solutions available.

 

  • Industry Certification Programs – Build confidence and practical job-ready skills recognized by industry professionals for students and teachers alike, from companies like Siemens, Stratasys, Universal Robot, Festo and others.

 

  • Installation and Commissioning– AET will set-up and assemble your equipment, as well as confirm proper operation to factory specifications.

 

  • Training – Our technical application specialist will develop a customized learning path, to provide you with the best possible training to make you feel SAFE and confident with operating your equipment

 

  • Technical Support – With our experienced, local field service group, we will be there to help keep your equipment operating smoothly
For Administrators

Why partner with AET for your makerspace project?

 

Let’s face it – These spaces can be expensive. With such a big investment, you want to be sure the program is successful from day one, but also sustainable. Our goal is to help create a lab that your school can be proud of, but also support your lab and staff for years to come.

 

  • Guidance – With over 15 years of experience, we’ll work with your staff to help you select equipment that is the right-fit for your program.

 

  • Grant Consultation – We can help identify grants, connect you with a team of grant writer and also help coach you along the way to a successful application

 

  • Professional Development – We value to the continued improvement of skills, which is why we offer so many learning opportunities for your staff! See our resource menu for past and future events.

 

  • Trust – AET Labs was established in 2005, with a goal of helping educators provide real-world industry experience to their students. Our wide range of project references is a testament to our capabilities and commitment to the New England educational community.
For Architects

Why partner with AET as a consultant on your project?

 

Planning a Fab Lab, Makerspace or STEM lab is not simply about choosing the right technology. Each piece of equipment requires specific physical considerations, space requirements, engineering and contracting services, as well as optimal hardware and software integration. We make your job easier by providing the following:

 

  • Project Management – When you choose to work with us, we’ll begin managing all aspects of the lab spaces involved, by ensuring that the smallest details are not left to chance. This is our focus and it’s our goal to make sure all expectations are met or exceeded!

 

  • Consulting – We will meet regularly with the client to explore all aspects of their existing program and determine a holistic solution that will provide the greatest long-term impact for the school.

 

  • Space Planning – AET will design a complete floor plan that includes proper space requirements for furniture and equipment.

 

  • MEP – AET will provide a complete matrix of all Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing specifications to ensure all details are accounted for.

 

  • Resource Planning – Working with specialty equipment is our expertise. Leave the job to us. We will source, purchase, plan logistics, install and coordinate all details related to the lab equipment for your project
Testimonials

“When we received an advanced manufacturing grant from Governor Baker, AET was a great resource to guide us through the process of design, equipment selection, and installation. Our program is now equipped with equipment that will provide our students with cutting edge technology which will prepare them for college and career readiness.”

Dr. Heidi Riccio, Superintendent-Director
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School

“AET Labs has been our savior in creating the Blackstone Valley Education Hub (BV Ed Hub)! The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce was fortunate enough to receive a large Work Skills Capital Grant from the MA Department of Higher Ed to create fabrication, design and computer labs. AET Labs provided us with the expertise and know-how we needed to successfully reach our goals. . . At the end of the project we got rave reviews from the community, our students, teachers, schools and our legislators.”

 

Jeannie Hebert, CEO and President of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
Blackstone Valley Education Hub

AET Labs provides excellent  sales and service: I can call them anytime I need assistance. They are my best source for equipment: no pressure, affordable and innovative solutions, flexibility, excellent follow through. The bottom line is that AET is just a great company to work with.

In 13 years of teaching, I have not found a  better vendor  to work with. They do not try to oversell  and they back up their sales with excellent service.

David Mangus
Science and Engineering Teacher, Academy of Engineering and Green Technology

“We’re the front door for people,” said Gina Bingham, NHFPL business outreach librarian, during a recent open house at Ives Squared. “Our machines are meant to be comfortable for beginners.” (Speaking to the ease-of-use of the digital fabrication machines in the Ives Squared Tinkerlab)

Gina Bingham
NHFPL Business Outreach Librarian

I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful customer service/support I received today from one of your workers, Matt Campbell.

In my 30 or so years of teaching, I have never been as impressed with a salesperson/company as I was today.

Matt worked diligently, for hours, putting together all of my new equipment without pause. It would have taken me days to do what he did in a matter of a few hours. What a polite and hard working young man that you have working for you!

Thank you again for the excellent service. It was greatly appreciated.”

Cheryl DelSanto, Technology Education Teacher
Pilgrim High School

I just wanted to reach out and tell you how great it is to have Zach as our repair tech. He is professional and courteous and is ALWAYS available when I contact him.”

Joe Riddensdale, Drafting Instructor
Mount Washington Valley Career and Technical Center at Kennett High School

I am taking this opportunity to share my gratitude for Zach’s courteous service work on our uPrint SE plus. I enjoy just chatting with him. He’s a super nice guy and very knowledgeable, and able to assist me with GrabCad as well during this past visit.

I wish to inform you of my satisfaction with Zach’s work – beyond satisfaction – more like impressed with his professionalism. He kept in close touch with me to arrange his visit and offered options for upgrading and improving our CAD / 3D printing programming.

Randy McCormick, Drafting & CAD Instructor
Washington County Community College

Thank you for your efforts to keep our printer on contract and up to speed.

Inspiring a generation of engineers is a team effort, and I’m grateful for your assistance in doing so.

Tasker Smith, Technical Instructor
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Pappalardo Undergraduate Laboratories