STEM & Career Skills Lab

Elementary School Fabrication Labs & Hackerspaces Design Solutions

A fabrication lab or hackerspace in your school gives children the opportunity to explore design and construction concepts in conjunction with technology. Spacious, adjustable workspaces allow teachers to arrange the space to suit the needs of their projects and a variety of storage options ensure project materials are easy to find.

Requirements for a Fabrication Lab or Hackerspace

For Students

The fabrication lab or hackerspace should give students access to technology, software, and maker equipment. Spacious, adjustable worksurfaces with comfortable seating accommodate projects and planning sessions. Storage units make it easy to find supplies.

For Teachers

Fabrication lab or hackerspace should feature open walkways, so they can easily move from one student group to another. Adjustable workspaces make it easy to set up the room for a variety of projects. Lockable storage keeps supplies that need teacher supervision out of reach.

For Administrators

The fabrication lab or hackerspace should be furnished in a way that meets all the needs of their school. Products must be readily available and delivered on time. Installation should be quick and efficient.

Fabrication Lab and Hackerspace Layout Areas

Project Area

Features configurable workstations where student groups can tinker with machines or build their own creations:

• Adjustable-height long tables: Ensure students have plenty of room to spread out project components. Rolling casters make it easy to arrange the tables in groups for larger group projects.
• Stools: Offer sturdy seating and a backless design that encourages good posture and strengthens core muscles throughout the day.

Shelving Area

Gives the classroom a dedicated space where students can find project materials and tools. This area can also be used to display finished projects or store in-progress projects:

• Heavy-duty stationary shelving: Keeps the classroom organized and lets students easily locate supplies.
• Lockable cabinet: Secures devices or other materials that may require teacher supervision. Locking these items away reduces distractions by keeping tools, supplies, and projects out of view. Teachers may opt to use this cabinet for securing personal belongings.
• Workbenches with overhead shelving: Allow individual students or small groups keep supplies and components in reach as they work on a project.

Mobile Storage Area

Lets students bring project materials and tools right to their work area:

• Mobile bin storage carts: Can be rolled directly to student workstations, making distributing and collecting supplies easy. Clear bins make it simple to locate needed materials, and they can be completely removed from the unit for use at workstations. Large and small bin sizes accommodate a variety of storage needs.
• Mobile open shelving unit: Provides additional space for storing project components and supplies. Rolling casters make it easy to move the unit out of the way.
• Mobile charging carts: Keep all your classroom devices charged and ready for use. Locking doors keep them secure overnight. Heavy-duty rolling casters easily maneuver over any flooring, and the top doubles as an additional surface for storage or presentation.

Choosing Your Fabrication Lab or Hackerspace Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit your school's fabrication lab or hackerspace. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs and get an itemized quote with just one click, including all three of our specially-designed solutions. Our helpful sales representatives are happy to answer questions about our solutions and how you can put them to use in your school.

Call us at 1-800-260-2776 for personalized assistance.

Fabrication Labs and Hackerspaces Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fabrication lab or hackerspace for elementary students?

A fabrication lab or hackerspace gives elementary children the opportunity to explore design and construction concepts in conjunction with technology. It includes spacious, adjustable workspaces that teachers can arrange to suit project needs, along with storage options that ensure project materials are easy to find and access.

Why are adjustable-height tables important in elementary fabrication labs?

Adjustable-height long tables ensure students have plenty of room to spread out project components while accommodating different student sizes and project requirements. Rolling casters make it easy to arrange tables in groups for larger group projects or reconfigure the space as needed.

What storage solutions work best for elementary fabrication labs?

Heavy-duty stationary shelving keeps the classroom organized and lets students easily locate supplies. Lockable cabinets secure devices or materials requiring teacher supervision. Mobile storage carts can be rolled directly to workstations for easy supply distribution, while workbenches with overhead shelving keep supplies within reach during projects.

How should teachers supervise elementary students in fabrication labs?

Open walkways allow teachers to easily move from one student group to another for guidance and supervision. Adjustable workspaces make it easy to set up the room for various projects while maintaining clear sightlines. Lockable storage keeps supplies that need teacher supervision safely out of reach when not in use.