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Reprinted from July 2025 Alamo STEM Ecosystem Monthly Newsletter
Makerspace inclusivity and the support of industry partners
As a teacher, I loved NASA providing competitive opportunities for students to get involved with space science and manned missions. But in most instances, there was only one winner and many losers - meaning that many great ideas never got tested, and many students who may have positive contributions were on the sidelines in favor of academically gifted students who on paper could give a competitive edge.
During my tenure as a STEM teacher, I purposely created a makerspace environment where students solved problems, sometimes competitively, but always using input from any student who wished to engage in the design process. Students utilized maker tools, typical ones like saws, sanders and electronics components, but also a design process where all students, no matter their background, had input. This is specifically poignant for students with disabilities, who many times are not included in mainstream activities due their disability, but have thoughtful input from experiences of solving problems in a world not specifically designed for them. While challenging in a classroom and maker environment, having these students integrated with regular ed students can help both sets of students increase their communication and collaborative skills, creating an environment of powerful sharing and problem solving.
So how can industry partners support the growth of these unique, but desperately needed makerspace classrooms?
First, give something that is in high supply and low in cost - problems! The foundation of any great makerspace classroom is having real-world problems that students can address and design solutions for. There is no need to be concerned with the level of difficulty as the main goal of this is not necessarily a positive outcome, but rather a critical look at the issue and the use of problem solving skills to create a viable solution. Failure should be part of the game, so if students don't get a favorable answer, that is acceptable. It is the process of them designing and fabricating that underlies the importance of this work.
Next, have someone that can provide meaningful feedback to the students on the problems given. This feedback is essential for students to evaluate their designs and make changes to increase the chance of viability. It also teaches students reflective practices, helping them overcome failure, persevering and making forward momentum, even when things get difficult.
Finally, consider partnering with schools, districts and STEM groups to develop these practices together, refining them in a way that helps build STEM pipelines to your industry. The work that students do in these frameworks is often rewarding when they see the real-world value of their accomplishments and their failures mirror what is practiced in industry. You could also sponsor a makerspace, working with the school or district to create a custom place that leans into your industry content. Also consider supporting teacher programs, like externships, that help educators align what they are teaching with industry needs.
Collaboration of all stakeholders in any STEM ecosystem is paramount to creating a paradigm shift in how students encounter problems and ultimately solve them. Industry partners have a unique but foundational place in building classrooms that are highly engaging and inclusive, promoting positive work ethics and environments where students of all backgrounds can thrive. Do a little or a lot, whatever the case may be, but get out there and support the needs of students and teachers that run these amazing programs, the rewards and benefits are endless!
Jeff Wheatcraft
IDRA Consultant
Founder and Captain of The Wheatcraft Project
2019 Texas Teacher of the Year
https://jeffwheatcraft.com/
Makerspace inclusivity and the support of industry partners
As a teacher, I loved NASA providing competitive opportunities for students to get involved with space science and manned missions. But in most instances, there was only one winner and many losers - meaning that many great ideas never got tested, and many students who may have positive contributions were on the sidelines in favor of academically gifted students who on paper could give a competitive edge.
During my tenure as a STEM teacher, I purposely created a makerspace environment where students solved problems, sometimes competitively, but always using input from any student who wished to engage in the design process. Students utilized maker tools, typical ones like saws, sanders and electronics components, but also a design process where all students, no matter their background, had input. This is specifically poignant for students with disabilities, who many times are not included in mainstream activities due their disability, but have thoughtful input from experiences of solving problems in a world not specifically designed for them. While challenging in a classroom and maker environment, having these students integrated with regular ed students can help both sets of students increase their communication and collaborative skills, creating an environment of powerful sharing and problem solving.
So how can industry partners support the growth of these unique, but desperately needed makerspace classrooms?
First, give something that is in high supply and low in cost - problems! The foundation of any great makerspace classroom is having real-world problems that students can address and design solutions for. There is no need to be concerned with the level of difficulty as the main goal of this is not necessarily a positive outcome, but rather a critical look at the issue and the use of problem solving skills to create a viable solution. Failure should be part of the game, so if students don't get a favorable answer, that is acceptable. It is the process of them designing and fabricating that underlies the importance of this work.
Next, have someone that can provide meaningful feedback to the students on the problems given. This feedback is essential for students to evaluate their designs and make changes to increase the chance of viability. It also teaches students reflective practices, helping them overcome failure, persevering and making forward momentum, even when things get difficult.
Finally, consider partnering with schools, districts and STEM groups to develop these practices together, refining them in a way that helps build STEM pipelines to your industry. The work that students do in these frameworks is often rewarding when they see the real-world value of their accomplishments and their failures mirror what is practiced in industry. You could also sponsor a makerspace, working with the school or district to create a custom place that leans into your industry content. Also consider supporting teacher programs, like externships, that help educators align what they are teaching with industry needs.
Collaboration of all stakeholders in any STEM ecosystem is paramount to creating a paradigm shift in how students encounter problems and ultimately solve them. Industry partners have a unique but foundational place in building classrooms that are highly engaging and inclusive, promoting positive work ethics and environments where students of all backgrounds can thrive. Do a little or a lot, whatever the case may be, but get out there and support the needs of students and teachers that run these amazing programs, the rewards and benefits are endless!
Jeff Wheatcraft
IDRA Consultant
Founder and Captain of The Wheatcraft Project
2019 Texas Teacher of the Year
https://jeffwheatcraft.com/
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