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.

Makerspaces

Beyond the Worksheet: How Saint Pius X Catholic School Is Bringing Learning to Life

At Saint Pius X Catholic School, the makerspace is transforming STEM education by bringing learning beyond the worksheet. Through hands-on projects, robotics, and real-world problem-solving, students are building confidence, embracing challenges, and discovering new ways to succeed. From making math concepts meaningful to bringing coding to life, the makerspace empowers students to learn by doing.

Makerspaces

From Maker to Entrepreneur: Kristen’s Story of Creativity, Confidence, and Opportunity

At Easterseals Northeast Indiana, Kristen is turning creativity into opportunity through the power of making. Using a Glowforge laser cutter, she designs and creates custom wooden flower presses that have become commissioned products in her community. Her inspiring journey highlights how hands-on learning can build confidence, develop new skills, and open doors to entrepreneurship and greater independence.

Insights & Research

The Handwriting Effect and the Fight for Cognitive Sovereignty in STEM Education

Andrew B. Raupp is the founder of STEM.org Educational Research and a recognized leader in STEM education innovation. He has served as the inaugural Chairman of the Forbes Technology Council’s Edtech and Fintech subcommittees and co-founded the Newsweek Expert Forum. Known for his work in blockchain-based STEM credential validation and as a leading voice on education reform, Andrew has been featured in Forbes and Newsweek and recognized as an Emerging Leader by Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He continues to advocate for transparent, decentralized, and community-driven approaches to STEM education.

Insights & Research

The Neuroscience and School-Wide Benefits of Innovative Learning Spaces

Dr. Chad LeDune explains why makerspaces and STEM labs represent a lasting shift in education, not a passing trend. Grounded in neuroscience and hands-on learning, these spaces foster problem-solving, collaboration, and the human skills AI cannot replace.

Insights & Research

Investing in the Future of Learning

In Investing in the Future of Learning, Dale Dougherty challenges us to reconsider where we are placing our priorities as a society. Dougherty, founder of Make: Magazine and Maker Faire and widely regarded as the father of the modern Maker Movement, has spent decades championing hands-on learning, creativity, and human potential.

Makerspaces

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.

Insights & Research

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.

Insights & Research

What Is a Makerspace? Definition, Examples & Benefits

A makerspace is a hands-on learning environment where students use tools, technology, and creativity to design, build, learn, and solve problems.

Insights & Research

Engaging Makerspace Activities for the Classroom

Makerspace activities are revolutionizing education by providing hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Makerspaces

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.

Insights & Research

How to Start a Makerspace for Schools & Communities

Learning how to start a makerspace opens doors to transforming education in your school or community. Makerspaces are vibrant, collaborative spaces and DIY environments where people come together to create, invent, and learn.

Company News

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.

Makerspaces

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.

Makerspaces

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.

Company News

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.

Makerspaces

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.

Makerspaces

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.

Insights & Research

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.

Makerspaces

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.

Makerspaces

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.

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

"We are so grateful to have our makerspace!"

Lindsey Stell
Middle School STEM, Elkins Middle School, Elkins, WV

Insights from 1st Maker Space

What our partners are saying.

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Bri Wagner

Education Solution Specialist

Insights from
1st Maker Space