In this episode of the Fueling Creativity podcast, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood speak with Caroline Haebig, author of The Maker Playbook: A Guide to Creating Inclusive Learning Environments. Caroline sheds light on today’s makerspace movement and the benefits of high-impact, inclusive maker learning culture inside schools and school systems.

Listen in to learn how educators from different fields can use a makerspace to foster innovative design thinking and creativity, the importance of integrating design ethics into the prototype design process, and the must-have and nice-to-have materials (both raw and digital) to include in a makerspace. Then, Caroline offers expert advice on finding entry points in your curriculum for maker learning and creating a more inclusive culture in your makerspace. 

Caroline’s Tips for Teachers and Parents:

1. Maximize opportunities for kids to share curiosities and ask questions.
2. Provide a scaffolded design process so students know what they’re expected to know, do, and engage with during specific parts of the design process.
3. Get kids to think and talk about the choices and decisions they are making.