ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Hi All,
I would have to agree with David. For these labs to function to their
full potential they must be facilitated. If one of the purposes of
these spaces is to foster innovation, experimentation and directed
play then it is not just about installing equipment and offering
supplies. They also need to be about inspiring ways of thinking and
creating liquid networks that extend beyond the center’s walls and
beyond their traditional audiences.

The possibilities inherent in these programs go beyond incorporating
more types of hands-on-activities for young audiences. These labs are
an opportunity for science centers to re-image the field and re-invent
themselves, expand their audiences to include teens and adults, and
create greater value and relevance as institutions in society. For
example why are not science centers, centers of excellence for young
inventors and young entrepreneurs? Not only supply the facility but
also the informational resources to make ideas into reality. We did a
web based program like this for teens for the Brooklyn Public Library
which was very successful and well received by teens as they had a
desire for this type of program.

Why can’t science centers, through programs, like these makers spaces,
be more connected to the environment in which they exist and more
connected to real life? Shouldn’t science centers be more engaged in
conversations about interpreting science in our technologically
accelerating world?

This is another reason why these labs must be facilitated to work as
they have in them the seeds of a true 21st century science center
designed to operate in the environment in which they exist. Makers
Faires are key to a second industrial revolution, and I think science
centers are one of the central nodes.

Eli

On Thu, Dec 27, 2012 at 12:19 PM, David Perry <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Hi all,
> I've been leading the planning process for the maker space here at OMSI for the past year as part of an IMLS Learning Lab grant.  I'll echo what Kevin and Eric said, that the people are key to the success of these spaces. An 'unstaffed maker space' is as much an oxymoron as a 'maintenance-free water area'.
>
> Jim Newton, founder of TechShop, once told me that while laser cutters are the most popular piece of equipment in their facility, the most important piece of equipment is the popcorn machine.  That's because the you can fill a room with amazing equipment and materials, and people will come.  But what takes the energy and creativity to the next level is the community. As members gather in the lounge they share ideas and expertise.  Similarly, the teens at Chicago's YouMedia site said the best part of the space was the mentors who brought the DJ equipment and sound booths to life.
>
> Certainly, maker type activities can be 'ruggedized' with instructions and limited materials, but I don't think a bunch of those together would be a maker space. The maker movement is not about a set of activities that everyone should do, it's about trying something new and sharing the results. Money spent on some creative staff and some glue guns is far more valuable than 3D printers.  Ohh, and don't forget the popcorn machine.
>
> David Perry
> Director of Museum Education
>
> Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
> 1945 SE Water Avenue
> Portland Oregon 97214
> O 503 797 4585  | F 503 797 4500
> E [log in to unmask]  | www.omsi.edu
>
> Challenge your perspective. RACE: Are We So Different? begins September 26.
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>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date:    Wed, 26 Dec 2012 14:49:09 -0800
> From:    kevin goodwin <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Unstaffed Maker Spaces?
>
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> I work full-time at MAKESHOP in the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.  I have always said that it is not the tools or the materials that make a space.  It is the teachers and makers that "make" the space.  I couldn't imagine this space without any staff.  But, we are a museum that prides itself on staffing all areas.  A maker space cannot exist without resident teachers or staff in the space.
> -Kevin Goodwin
>
> --- On Mon, 12/24/12, Paul Orselli <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> From: Paul Orselli <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Unstaffed Maker Spaces?
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Date: Monday, December 24, 2012, 11:15 AM
>
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Season's Greetings!
>
> A client is interested in a Maker-type space in their new building, but is wondering if it is possible for this type of space to be unstaffed (at least at times.)
>
> It seems counterintuitive to me to have a space with tools and materials that is not staffed, but perhaps folks on the list might be able to provide some successful examples of (or techniques for) unstaffed Maker-type spaces?
>
> Conversely, feel free to chime in if you think unstaffed Maker spaces are a loopy idea.
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------
>
> Paul Orselli, President and Chief Instigator
>
> Paul Orselli Workshop (POW!)
> World Headquarters
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> Baldwin, NY  11510
>
> (516) 223-1043
>
> POW! website
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>
> Exhibit tips + tricks at the ExhibiTricks blog:
> <http://blog.orselli.net>
>
> ******************************
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Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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