Insights from
1st Maker Space

Discover how schools are transforming STEM learning through hands-on making, creativity, and innovation. Explore the latest news, inspiring stories and insights from our community.

Building Brilliance at Jac-Cen-Del Elementary

At Jac-Cen-Del Elementary, hands-on learning comes to life in the makerspace, where students are empowered to create, collaborate, and think critically through meaningful, maker-driven experiences.

Why Making Matters in a Screen-Filled World

In a screen-filled world, making matters because hands-on learning empowers students to create, think critically, and solve real problems rather than simply consume content.

What Is a Makerspace? Definition, Examples & Benefits

Engaging Makerspace Activities for the Classroom

Featured Makerspace: Boys and Girls Clubs of Hancock County

The makerspace at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hancock County puts hands-on learning at the heart of each member’s journey, empowering youth to build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills through making.

How to Start a Makerspace for Schools & Communities

1st Maker Space Training vs. Professional Development: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

What’s the difference between training and professional development in a makerspace? Training focuses on how to safely use and care for equipment, while professional development helps educators integrate makerspace tools into standards-aligned, meaningful classroom learning. Learn why both play a critical role in long-term makerspace success.

Celebrating Innovation: School City of Hammond and 1st Maker Space Hosts Their First Official School Maker Faire

As our inaugural Maker Faire collaboration, this event marked an exciting milestone—both for our team and for the educators, students, and families who made it a success.

Spotlight: Making Innovation Happen at Norwalk High School

Norwalk High School, in Norwalk, Ohio, is equipping students with the employability skills necessary to prepare them for future careers.

Welcome to the New 1st Maker Space Website!

Discover the all-new 1st Maker Space website—faster, easier, and packed with updated lessons, resources, and AI-powered tools to inspire hands-on learning for educators, students, and makers.

Real World Experiences at Daleville Junior/Senior High School 

Daleville Jr. Sr. High is leveraging their community partnerships to bring real-world opportunities to their students via their makerspace.

Caring for Your Glowforge Laser Cutter: A Guide for Makerspaces   

Caring for your Glowforge isn’t just about upkeep—it’s about ensuring every maker has access to a clean, high-performing tool that produces beautiful, precise results.

Why Welding Matters for Every Student

Welding isn’t just about metal—it’s about building confidence, curiosity, and career pathways. From STEM integration to creative expression, welding helps students connect science and problem-solving with real-world skills that last a lifetime.

From Curiosity to Confidence: How Kennedy Academy’s Makerspace is Transforming Learning in South Bend

Kennedy Academy’s makerspace inspires creativity and collaboration, helping students learn through hands-on projects, problem-solving, and embracing growth.

The Makerspace at Skip + Alex Lange Innovation Center

Step into Camp Belzer’s Innovation Center, where a new makerspace fuels creativity, resilience, and future-ready skills for Scouts and the community.

From Scorpions to Makers: How Scott Middle School is Sparking Innovation in Hammond

Scott Middle School’s new makerspace transforms learning with 3D printers, laser cutters, and immersive STEM experiences.

Empowering Future Innovators: The Importance of the Makerspace at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy

CVCA’s makerspace enhances learning with cutting-edge tools that connect classroom concepts to real-world innovation.

Making Leaders: How Thorntown Elementary Builds Innovation Through Hands-On Learning

Thorntown Elementary’s makerspace empowers students to design, create, and lead through hands-on STEM learning.

Hands-On Learning Activities for STEM Education Success

Physical interaction with educational tools and materials opens new pathways for student understanding and engagement.

Summer 2025 Free Professional Development

Join our free virtual summer PD workshops and explore fresh ways to integrate makerspace tools and STEM learning in your classroom.

What our partners are saying.

“1st Maker Space helped us get the makerspace up and running in our elementary school. They were great to work with and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them in the future.”

Jimmy Ellis
Principal at Orleans Elementary School
“I want to thank you so much for supporting and believing in our school. It means more than you know! I’m so happy that 1st Maker Space is expanding and giving kids from every background an opportunity to dream big and do all that they can imagine.”

Naomi Kinsey
Assistant Principal, Beveridge Elementary, Gary, IN
“The training was not only informative but fun and engaging! We were able to take time with all of the different materials and experience them the way our students will. I would definitely recommend investing in the Makerspace PD for staff who will be working in that space.”

Katy Thornthwaite
Music Teacher, Muessel Elementary, South Bend, IN