Maker Booths, Stations, and Workshops in a Science Center: Materials, Supports, and Family Interactions in Pop-Up Makerspaces

• In Event: 72.066 - Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: 72.066-9 - Surrounded by Science: Informal Learning in Museums, Media, and After-School and Everyday Contexts

Abstract

Makerspaces that provide tools and support for design activities can be found in many children museums and science centers in which visitors not only view or interact with but also make artifacts of their own to take home. In this paper we introduce a new type, called pop-up makerspace, because of its transient nature and ability to be situated in different locations inside and outside of the science center. We describe three different pop-up spaces (booth, station, and workshop) and activities inside and outside of a science center that engaged hundreds of children and adults and analyze parent-child interactions and support structures. In the discussion, we address challenges and opportunities of implementing transient makerspaces.

Authors

• Yasmin B. Kafai, University of Pennsylvania

• Barrie Adleberg, University of Pennsylvania

• Karen J. Elinich, The Franklin Institute

• Orkan Telhan, University of Pennsylvania