Making and Maker Corps at the Newark Museum

By Guest Contributor Kim Robledo-Diga, Newark Museum Director for Innovation and Learning

Since its beginning, in 1909, Newark Museum has been an institution of art, science, technology and history. Within those areas the Museum has been guided by the philosophy of constructivist learning – a focus on self-guided, hands-on, and interactive learning through the use of art, science and technology tools. The philosophy behind the Makerspace at the Newark Museum is based on this notion.

In 2012 the Museum launched Makerspace at the Newark Museum. The Museum’s community was offered a diverse set of Makerspace programming that addresses a varied spectrum of age range and program formats. Youth and adult classes along with a during school curriculum-based program were highlights of year one.

Makerspace at the Newark Museum invites users to “build to think” by utilizing rapid fabrication equipment and materials. Equipment and supplies range from silk screens to sewing machines; microscopes to micro-controllers; Dremel tools to DC motors; soldering to soft-circuits; and 3-D software to 3-D printing robots. Cutting-edge technology in the Makerspace is accessible, but not always required. Art, craft, science, engineering and technology form the platform for discovery, creativity and collaboration.

Maker Corps is an exciting addition to maker programming at the Newark Museum. Maker Corps members will work with the Museum’s education team to showcase the nexus between art, science and technology with the Museum’s 80 galleries as a resource. Maker Corp members will deliver programs in the Museums successful six week Summer Camp, which serves 600 students ages 3-13. Maker Corp members will also drive public drop-in programs for the Museums integral family audience, which serves hundreds of families with kids ages 3-12.  In addition, the Maker Corp members will mentor the Museums teen Explorers on a special maker project they identify themselves.

Join the maker movement with the Newark Museum and help us inspire the next generation of makers.

For further information about the Newark Museum’s collection and programs visit us online at http://newarkmuseum.org/