Tiny Innovators: ECE STEAM Makerspace Toolkit

TINY INNOVATORS:  A Toolkit for Creating an ECE STEAM Makerspace

In support of joyful making and powerful learning for young children

 

A collaboration of innovative ECE STEAM experts 

child with clay

The 'maker movement' leads to a new pedagogy - 'Tinkquiry' = Tinkering + Inquiry.”

by Peter Skillen

Tiny Innovators is a toolkit designed to support educators, families, and learning communities in establishing engaging, hands-on learning environments where young children can explore and experiment with STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. This toolkit provides a comprehensive framework for cultivating an inquiry-based, child-centered space that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation for our youngest learners and makers. 

Makerspaces spark creativity and imagination. By providing open-ended materials and encouraging risk-taking, they empower children to pursue their ideas, try new approaches, and develop innovative solutions. These spaces also strengthen connections for shared learning among children, educators, families, and the community. 

Ultimately, an ECE STEAM Makerspace is more than just a room—a mindset and a movement. 

Tiny Innovators: Unpacking an Early Childhood Makerspace

Tiny Innovators podcast written transcript.docx  (docx)

Download the Toolkit

Tiny Innovators: ECE STEAM Makerspace Toolkit  (pdf)
cover to toolkit

Acknowledgements

The Authors

Introduction

Rationale

Audience

Part One: Guiding Principles for an ECE STEAM Makerspace

Developmental Appropriateness

What this Looks like in Practice

Tips for Choosing Developmentally Appropriate Materials

Scaffolding Strategies

Safety

What this Looks Like in Practice:

Tips for Creating a Safe Makerspace

Supervision and Modeling Strategies

Reflective Prompts for Educators

Interdisciplinary

Open-Endedness

Play-Based Learning

Sensory Exploration

Inclusiveness

Collaboration and Social Interaction

Culturally Responsive

Sustainability

PART TWO: Planning for the ECE STEAM Makerspace

Phase I: Define Goals and Objectives

Phase II: Identify the Target Audience and Characteristics

Phase III: Analyze Resources and Constraints

Phase IV: Synthesize Findings and Develop a Plan

PART THREE: Creating the Learning Environment

Environment and Setup

Defined Zones

Furniture

Storage and Organization

Starter Kit Essentials

PART FOUR: Curriculum Integration

Inquiry-Based Learning Approaches

Cross-Curricular Connections

Aligning with Standards and DAP

Practice in Action

PART FIVE: Professional Learning

Training for Educators

Ongoing Support and Learning

PART SIX: Family and Community Engagement

Involving Families

Community Partnerships

PART SEVEN: Metrics and Evaluation

PART Eight: Conclusion

PART Nine: References and Resources

Books

Articles

Grants and Funding Resources

PART Seven: Appendix

Appendix 1 – Suggested Materials List

Appendix 2 - Links to Sample Lesson Plans

Appendix 3 – Stakeholder Survey and Evaluation Tools

 

The ECE Makerspace Toolkit was a collaborative effort organized by Beyond100K , bringing together a dynamic group of authors from diverse institutions committed to advancing early childhood STEM education. Contributors included representatives from the California State University Chancellor’s Office, The League of Young Inventors , KID Museum , Carnegie Science Center , Fort Hays State University , and Science Friday . This cross-sector collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering early educators through innovative, equitable, and hands-on learning experiences.

Zee Cline

Meghan Eison

Shannon Gaussa

Dorothy Jones-Davis

Annalise Phillips

Sandy Roberts

 Hilary Seitz

 

Janet Stramel

Fred Uy