Essential Question 7

What are the rules for your makerspace?

The rules for my makerspace have been put in place to keep students safe and maintain a comfortable makerspace for everyone.  As it turns out those rules are very similar to the rules of my science labs!

1. All participants must follow the makerspace rules.
2. Respect:
• We are all here to make things and learn. Collaboration is important.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Answer them kindly; eventually you'll have to ask for help too.
• Tools/resources must stay on the premises so that other members may use them.
• When you break something, own up to it. If you have any doubt about fixing it, ask for help. Don't make someone feel bad for breaking things, help them understand what went wrong.
• Clean, Maintain, Organize, and Improve. Always leave the space better than you found it.
3. Protective gear:
• Wear eye protection: safety glasses with side shields, goggles, or face shields.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around moving or rotating machinery.
• Remove ties, jewelry, gloves, etc. especially around moving or rotating machinery.
• Tie back or cover long hair to keep it away from moving machinery.
• Wear only shoes that cover the entire foot, no open-toe shoes or sandals.
• Wear suitable gloves when handling hot objects, glass, or sharp-edged items.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the job.
4. Prepare:
• Safety is your top priority when using the makerspace. If you are not sure what you are doing, ask.
• Know all the locations of first aid, fire, and safety equipment.
• Think through the entire job before starting. Prepare prints or drawings with all dimensions and specifications prior to using machines.
• Sign in before using any equipment.
• Never use a tool unless you’ve been trained to use it safely.
• Never work alone when using power tools. Two persons must be present and be able to see one another.
• Do not work in the makerspace if tired, or in a hurry.
• Do not fool around, startle, or distract anyone (not even with a conversation) while either one of you is using a tool.

While there are many other possibilities for rules, I feel adding many more could be restrictive and cumbersome.  I want my makerspace to be a location that is accessible to all students and provides them ample opportunity to tinker, play, and create.  

Resources: (My makerspace rules are a combination and modification of the rules found on the resources below.)

Hlubinka, M. (2013, September 2). Safety in School Makerspaces. Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://makezine.com/2013/09/02/safety-in-school-makerspaces/

Rules and Policies. (2019, June 24). Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Rules_and_Policies