Making Spaces for STEM in the School Library

Chambers, Louise

APA Citation:

Woods, S., & Hsu, Y.-C. (2019). Making spaces for STEM in the school library. TechTrends, 64(3), 388-394. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00460-9

Summary:

In this paper, Woods and Hsu share a vision for how K-12 school libraries could address the inequality of STEM or STEAM education within the United States. They discuss the history of both the STEM/STEAM education and makerspace movement, and propose that the library is the perfect place to democratize and offer balance opportunities for STEM/STEAM education. Woods and Hsu offer practical advice for how school librarians will need to adjust their practice in order to achieve success, considerations for how to structure the library as a makerspace environments, and a clear discussion of what types of activities support the maker mindset and philosophy.

Evaluation:

Libraries offer a unique opportunity to integrate all subject areas within K-12 education, and this article shares a concise and clear roadmap for librarians to consult if they are interested in shifting their practice and purpose of the school library. The list of possible materials to include and ideas for learning activities to consider sharing with students is extremely helpful. The reminder to include tangible materials and creation opportunities is excellent as much of the literature and attention within the LIS community is focused on technology within makerspaces. This article emphasizes that makerspaces are at their core about the act and mindset of making, rather than the use of technology.