Combining Physical and Virtual Learning

The Maker Movement is a recently expanding movement that looks at creation from all angles. This includes working with all types of materials, physical and virtual, to make practically anything. Woodworking, 3D printing, wiring, fabrics, and coding all come together to allow anyone to create whatever they want. Combining different aspects brings ideas to life as children learn to become practical and realistic while learning about creation and creativity.

There are obviously the simple crafts that can be done in the Maker Movement: creating a wood sculpture, weaving, 3D printing something. However, if you delve deeper into "Making," you will find that much more complex creations can be made by combining these physical aspects with something virtual, like code. Not only can a kid create a model robot, but he can attach gears and wire it as well. Then they could look into programming and make it move around. With enough effort, anything is possible.


And this is only one example in an endless sea of possibilities! Given a Makerspace full of tools and materials, a kid could combine whatever they wanted. This may sound like its all fun and games, but there is a reason to have a space open to creators with available supplies. While kids will enjoy creating in such an open-ended environment, they will also be able to learn in the process. Trying to get their creations to work can force kids to become practical and realistic thinkers while also boosting their problem solving skills. Also, in designing, creating, and problem solving, students can expand their creative ability as their mind is put to work.


Having a Makerspace and participating in the maker movement opens up a whole new world to kids of all ages. They may find a new passion in woodworking or programming. Or, they could combine many skills they pick up to build creatively and make something useful.

To learn more about Makerspaces, click here.
To learn more about the Maker Movement, click here.

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