EDET 677 Mech App Week 7 Blog

EDET 677 Mechanical Application

Week 7 Blog
Essential Question: What are the rules for your makerspace?

            Responsible, Respectful, Safe are the main three rules at my school and I will incorporate these rules for the makerspace that is located in the school or in the local college. The main focus of the makerspace will be middle and high school aged students. The majority of participants are minors so they will need to have a parent sign a waiver that acknowledges the potential dangers of using various pieces of machinery in the makerspace. In this waiver, the rules will be given to parents and encouraged to read over them with their child and talk about what they can do to help create the makerspace a safe environment for everyone.

Big, Basic Rules:

·      A trained adult must be present to be working in the makerspace.

·      All school rules must be followed.

·      Every student needs to have a signed permission-slip to make in the makerspace.

Responsible:

·      Use tools as they were designed to be. (A knife is not a screwdriver)

·      If a tool is broken, don’t use it and report that it is broken.

·      All tools need to stay in the room unless otherwise permitted.

·      Never walk away from a running tool.

·      Operate all machines with the proper materials, tools, and required protective guards in place.

·      Put all materials and tools back to its designated space. (look at labels)

·      If possible, donate to the makerspace by bringing materials from home. (look at material list)

·      Know the location of the first aid kit, AED, fire extinguisher, and safety equipment.

·      Ask if you don’t know how to use a machine, kit, or tool.

·      All consumable material that is used must be reported on the posted “Used Materials” list.

• Think through the entire job before starting. Prepare prints or drawings with all dimensions and specifications prior to using machines.

·      If the makerspace does not have a tool or material you need, try to bring it yourself or put in a request.

·      Do not eat in the makerspace.

Respectful:

·      Do not fool around or distract other students while working in the makerspace.

·      Support your peers by helping them with ideas, making, and encouragement.

·      Do not touch or work on a project that is not yours unless asked.

·      Clean up every time you leave an area. This includes picking up the floor, tools being put away, clearing off the countertops, putting away all materials in the labeled area, etc.

·      Any intentional abuse to the tools or materials will be noted and may terminate the ability to use the makerspace.

·      The computers must be used for makerspace reasons only.

Safe:

·      Wear appropriate clothing for the project you are working on. Think about shoes, scarves, etc.

·      Tie back all long hair.

·      Wear gloves when working with hot objects, glass, or sharp-edged materials.

·      Report all injuries. If the injury is serious, call 9-1-1.

·      Do not attempt to remove foreign objects from eye or body.

·      If chemicals get in your eye, wash eye for 15 minutes in an open flow of water before proceeding for medical treatment.

·      Wear eye protection when working with the necessary machines or tools.

·      Turn off equipment before cleaning.

·      Keep fingers clear of the point of operation of machines when they are in use.

·      Pick up spills and messes immediately so that others do not trip or get hurt by the mess.

·      Be aware of what is going on around you such as who is using what machine.

·      If you don’t know how to use a machine, get instructions on proper procedure before using it.

Arduino:

·      Read the instructional book for the type of projects you are attempting.

·      Ask for help if you don’t know how to use the different parts of the kit.

·      Return all parts of the kit to its appropriate carrying case.

·      Inform the adult if something breaks in the kit.

·      Help others when asked.

3-D Printer:

·      Ask for help if you don’t know how to use the printer.

·      You must have training before you use the printer.

            As you can see from above, I have some general rules and then rules that fall under Responsible, Respectful, and Safe. Lastly for the known materials/machinery that will be in the makerspace, I have a set of rules for Arduinos and 3-D Printers. Lastly, all of these rules are subject to change as I get to know the space and what machinery and tools we have.

Resources:

Dallas makerspace (2017). Rules and policies. Retrieved from https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Rules_and_Policies#cite_ref-4

Hlubinka, M. (2013). Safety in school makerspaces. Retrieved from http://makezine.com/2013/09/02/safety-in-school-makerspaces/

SLO MakerSpace Rules and General Safety, (2013). Retrieved from http://www.slomakerspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/SLOMakerSpaceRulesandGeneralSafety.pdf