New Makerspace in Smith Hall

Education department creates a space for education majors to practice hands-on learning

A Makerspace has opened in the Curriculum Library in Smith Hall at Walla Walla University. Its purpose is to be a creative space where education majors can use virtual and physical tools to create and experiment on various K-12 projects. Education majors can then take what they have worked on and develop their experiments into lesson plans that can be used for K-12 students.  

While faculty may use the Makerspace for teaching in their own classrooms, it is particularly geared toward student use. The area is equipped with tables and tools for making hands on projects using different math, science, technology, and engineering concepts. In addition, a 3D printer is available to turn computer aided drawings into physical items.

The Makerspace was organized by Brian Hartman, assistant professor of education. Libraries and schools around the nation are starting to develop similar areas where students can come to build and learn. Hartman believes it will be a valuable learning tool at WWU, too.

“Modern learning theory has made it clear that by just learning out of a book you don’t learn as well. This is our attempt to help our teacher candidates develop skills for teaching more deeply by making things,” Hartman said.

While the initial version of the Makerspace is completed, it will continue to be expanded as money and funds come in. The Makerspace is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, as well as 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Posted April 11, 2019