Six books full of project ideas for STEAM classrooms

Makerspaces can offer students resources to get creative around ideas that interest them. High-tech tools like 3D printers and laser cutters are popular suggestions for tools to have in makerspaces. Both of these bring a lot to the makerspace world, but they are both hard to learn how to use. They are also expensive, not just for the initial purchase, but on a continual basis. Laser cutters also require an exhaust system to keep the air in the workspace safe to breathe.

LEGOs and LittleBits also get a lot of mention and are also expensive. They can be good tools for a makerspace, but they limit the maker to what you can do with LEGOs and LittleBits. For instance, I wouldn’t want to make a dress out of either of these but let’s say I decided to make a LEGO dress. Once I finished, if I wanted to keep it, think of how much that would cost. My LEGO Millenium Falcon cost over $100 and I got the little version. If we said it would take 20 of my Millenium Falcons to make a dress, I would have to spend about the same amount as an off-the-rack Stella McCartney number. There are better ways to spend that makerspace money.

There are many other materials that kids already understand and aren’t afraid to use that are great for letting their creativity flow. Materials that are cheaper and more versatile, like paper for instance. What’s easier than paper? Nothing that requires a 3D printer. Before you spend a lot of money on high-end makerspace tools, take a look at these books to get some ideas on alternatives:

Paper Made!

This book is loaded with ideas for paper crafting. There are lampshades, picture boxes, headbands, necklaces, and anything else you can imagine, all made with paper and other inexpensive ingredients.

Duct Tape Engineer

What would a makerspace be without duct tape? If you are short on ideas for what to do with it, this book is a great resource.

Little Needle-Felt Animals

Needle-felting is a fun and surprisingly easy craft, as long your kids are okay handling needle-felting needles. It’s really cool to watch your creation take shape, and this book has plenty of ideas for animals to needle-felt.

Martha Stewart’s Favorite Crafts for Kids

Whatever your feelings about Martha Stewart, you’ve gotta admit her team comes up with some fun craft ideas. This book is loaded with ideas that use pegboard, old toys, rocks, and even an old supermarket ham can (or cookie tin) to create fun projects.

Sewing School and Sewing School 2

These are two great books on sewing. The first book, Sewing School, focuses on hand sewing while Sewing School 2 shows crafts made using a sewing machine. There are a lot of fun ideas for a wide age range.