I was asked today: if you started today again, what would you do to start a makerspace?
FIRSTLY
I would start with origami (again). Buy craft stuff – to build bridges, toothpick towers, paper planes. catapults out of popsicle sticks etc.
I would buy Lego Mindstorms (expensive, but these have great potential and kids love them, because they can move (the kids and the robots)). (someone said they have used these robots with success that are cheaper http://meetedison.com/ )
I would do coding and minecraft. Go to code.org There are great fun tutorials here; step by step.
Also, try Scratch – it is free and great.
I would do CodeCombat (kids really like it and it teaches coding). I have resources for codecombat at: https://ahsmakerspace.wordpress.com/2015/11/10/code-combat-et-al/
Get minecraft edu set up and use it.
SECONDLY
If you really want to do LED light stuff, try: https://ahsmakerspace.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/sticky-circuit-cards/
makey makey go is coming out in December: http://shop.makeymakey.com/products/makey-makey-go-pre-order-ships-december?variant=2460882372 More info at: http://makezine.com/2015/05/11/smaller-slicker-makey-makey-go-coming-soon-19/ Kids like makey makey .
Would love to hear what others would say…
AHS Makerspace 