kent state university makerspace (proposal)

A C R O S S - C A M P U S C O L L A B O RAT I O N

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY’SMAKERSPACE


What is a MakerSpace?• A participatory learning environment that allows

people to come together to design, create and build projects using shared materials, equipment, tools, and technologies.


Significant Outcomes of MakerSpaces ?

• Supports the development of a user’s critical thinking and problem solving skills through deliberate experimentation (providing an educational environment often not met in the classroom alone)

• Promotes innovation by encouraging students/faculty to explore fields/equipment outside their traditional university departmental 'silos'

• Links STEM focused disciplines to the creative arts (STEAM) to encourage true innovation

• Encourages users to explore and get familiar with technologies they may never have been exposed to before providing new knowledge and the opportunity for the user to develop new marketable skills

• Catalyst to promote community educational outreach


Why Kent State University’s MakerSpace will offer additional value ?

• Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration between the highest profile programs at KSU to develop innovative research, products and services

• Provides an experimental learning space for KSU faculty to explore new teaching methodologies including new pedagogical models that support active learning

• Provides a direct channel for users to monetize MakerSpace inventions/innovations through the Blackstone LaunchPad program

MAKERSPACE LOCATION: FIRST FLOOR,

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Centrally located on campus

Space open to all majors to access

3,000+ square feet for first phase


What will this MakerSpace look like?• Space will be divided into four key areas

that will suggest openness and accessibility through light and windows that allow one to view the interactions in each individual space, from every corner of the environment. These key areas will include:

1. Central communal lounge: open space with movable furniture that allow students to collaborate and generate ideas with one another


What will this MakerSpace look like?2. ‘Tech’ space: computer lab with

ultra-high-speed fiber-optic broadband network


What will this MakerSpace look like?3. Small-scale fabrication

space: workspace with soldering stations that allow one to experiment with creating small-scale technology and other products using circuit boards, arduinos, raspberry pis, and other digital technology


What will this MakerSpace look like?4. ‘Art’ or Dry space: clean

space that allows for sewing, construction and other handcrafted product creations; provides an environment for generated technology to be incorporated into products


Suggested list of tools & equipment:• Ultra-high-speed fiber-optic broadband network• iMacs• 3D printers• laser printers• laser cutter• Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, circuit boards (other

electrical/digital equipment)• sodering stations• sewing machines• Expresso Book Machine (on-the-spot printing of books)


Staff support:

• Trained staff member will facilitate user exploration of the space and offer targeted workshops that will provide users with marketable, hard-skill set development• Additional assistance provided by MakerSpace

student fellows


Future Plans / 3-Phase Innovation Plan:

1. Securing minimal equipment to support basic prototyping development (proposed MakerSpace)

2. Developing a full-blown fabrication space (75,000+ square feet) that would be available for KSU entrepreneurs and that could be supported through revenue generated by opening the lab to the community (future Sandbox)

3. Developing a Mobile FabLab that could be transported to all eight KSU regional campuses to support entrepreneurial pursuits.


Questions?

kent state university makerspace (proposal)

Education