Keep it playful

Play opens us to creative ideas and new experiences. While we play, we engage our bodies and our mind, and we often engage with others. While we play, learning feels natural and we can take risks to do things we didn't know we can do.

Be Curious

Ask questions -- who, what, why, and how. How are things around you made? Who makes them and where are they made?

Get physical

Use your sense to experience the physical world all around you. What are the differences between the natural world and the built world?

Find a favorite tool

Tools exist for all kinds of applications. Given an area you're interested such as bicycles or music, what are some of the tools, both physical and digital, that you might want to learn to use? Choose a new tool and share it with us.

Do something you've never done before

Sometimes we decide that we’re not good at something and we never try to do it. Part of the DIY spirit is to try something you’ve never tried before, even if you’re not particularly good at it. Think of it as an experiment. See if you like it. Try cooking or gardening or playing a musical instrument. Or try to fix something that’s broken. Share this new skill.

Make something

You might design something that solves a problem — it could be a problem for you or a problem for others. You might build something that’s interactive such as a play toy, or a toy car or plane. Paper airplane launchers are popular, as are rockets.

What are the benefits of engaging young people in making?

Here are the five key competencies that we identified as outcomes for young people who participate in Start Making!

1. Identify as a creator or maker. Young people develop positive attitudes toward creating hands-on projects.
2. Develop confidence in creative expression. Young people feel capable of bringing their ideas to life by designing, experimenting, iterating, and persisting through failures.
3. Acquire technical tool literacy. Young people become familiar with a variety of tools and technologies that they can use to make projects.
4. Become aware of STEAM. Young people become aware of ideas and concepts that bridge science, technology, engineering, art, and math and demonstrate curiosity to learn more.
5. Learn collaboration and networking skills. Young people actively engage in collaborating and helping others.

Start Making! A Guide to Engaging Young People in Maker Activities
By Danielle Martin and Alisha Panjwani edited by Natalie Rusk

What are the attributes of a maker? What is a maker mindset?

• Makers are curious. They are explorers. They pursue projects that they personally find interesting.
• Makers are playful. They often work on projects that show a sense of whimsy.
• Makers are willing to take on risk. They aren’t afraid to try things that haven’t been done before.
• Makers take on responsibility. They enjoy taking on projects that can help others.
• Makers are persistent. They don’t give up easily.
• Makers are resourceful. They look for materials and inspiration in unlikely places.
• Makers share—their knowledge, their tools, and their support.
• Makers are optimistic. They believe that they can make a difference in the world.

Making Makers: Kids, Tools and the Future of Innovation
By AnnMarie Thomas