Classroom

Jan. 2019

The vision for the classroom at TinkerMill is to become an evolving space to support multiple purposes with a focus on learning, kids programs, and TinkerMill promotion. A proposal is being prepared to begin transforming it into such a place starting in 2019. Input of all kinds is being sought, as are interested, resourceful, and motivated members to help with the planning and execution. Please contact lynne.davis@tinkermill.org for more info or to take part.

PURPOSE

Early thoughts for adapting the space include:

- A space for younger members of TinkerMill, existing organizations for youth and school groups in the area. The classroom has the potential for kids to experience TinkerMill as a STEAM makerspace and entrepreneurial training ground (e.g. "Junior Achievement" and tech competitions) in a safe and structured environment (and without a parent attached to their hip.)

- A community meeting room for Longmont and surrounding locale. e.g. space rental

- A scaled back facsimile of TinkerMill (mini-shops) or just colorful posters to introduce our capabilities during public and personal tours and member meetings that could help bring into focus the often overwhelming nature of the larger space.

- An area for painting on easels

- An all-purpose room - easily configurable

- Movies, presentations, theatre

- Games

- Public computer (instead of at the front door)

- Building models, hobbies, paper-type crafts, holiday activities (halloween, e.g.)

- Member meetings (of course)

- "U-Fix-It" events

- Table-top photography

REVENUE Streams

- Classes

-- Projects

-- Theory

-- The Teacher's Maker Sandbox Experience - Professional Development for teachers to be immersed in the Maker experience of building STEAM projects based on work being done at MIT Edgerton Center and their Teacher Training Workshops

- Kids memberships?

- Fundraisers (holiday, seasonal, etc.) Semi-annual or quarter-annual Make-It events

-- Auction at Winter Make-it Competition - Design challenge between TinkerMill shops to make their version of something - like snowflakes, spoons, mobile art?

-- Scavenger hunt that takes people to all shops to do or find something only that shop has, e.g.:

--- the wing of a fly - in Electronics at microscope

--- Superhero cape - in Sewing

--- Silver rose - Metal Craft

- Community events - space rental