Flexible Learning Lab for CTE & Makerspace

Middle & High School Flexible Arrangement Makerspace Solutions

A flexible arrangement makerspace includes furniture that can be easily adapted to accommodate maker projects, STEM activities, collaborative work and project planning sessions. Since this classroom's layout can change several times a day, furnishings need to be mobile or lightweight. The flexible classroom also gives students the freedom to choose the type of workspace that's best for them. Whether students prefer traditional school chairs, soft seating or wobble stools, incorporating a variety of seating options ensures students stay comfortable throughout the day. Research shows that when students control their space, they are more likely to participate in class discussions or collaborations and even do better on standardized tests.

Requirements for a Great Flexible Arrangement Makerspace

For Students

The flexible arrangement makerspace should include furnishings that keep students comfortable, so they can focus on their work. They should be able to select from a variety of workspace and seating options, have easy access to supplies and be able to move around the room with ease. Mobile or easy-to-move workstations make it simple for students to arrange themselves into large or small project groups.

For Teachers

The flexible arrangement makerspace should be easily arranged and rearranged to demonstrate an idea to the whole class at once or to group students together for maker activities. A variety of seating and tabletop options help teachers keep students focused and attentive throughout the day. Configurable furniture assists teachers in arranging the space to best accommodate their students' work and an easy-to-use organizational system keeps set ups and clean ups quick and simple.

For Administrators

The flexible arrangement makerspace should be equipped with products that have been selected with the specific needs of their facility in mind. All products should be available when needed and must arrive on time. Installation must be quick and efficient.

Flexible Arrangement Makerspace Layout Spaces

Large Project Spaces

Designed to handle your class's biggest projects:

Large collaborative tables: With spacious work areas accommodate projects that require students to work with multiple components or spread out reference materials. A smooth surface allows them to double as a testing space for robotics or engineering projects. Rolling casters make it easy to move these tables around the room as needed.
Stools: Provide students with a sturdy seat, while the backless design offers the freedom of movement students need for project work. Stools can be pushed under the tables during standing projects or clean ups.
Mobile easels: Can be rolled to project areas for brainstorming or presenting ideas.

Breakout Spaces

Accommodate individuals or small groups as they work on devices, plan projects or research topics:

Long tables: Provide the space students need to spread out drawings, plans, materials, devices or books.
Mobile chairs: Constructed from flexible plastic to keep students comfortable as they shift positions. Rolling casters allow the chairs to be quickly moved to and from the breakout space.

Project Storage Spaces

Keep tools, materials and in-progress projects organized or acts as a display space for completed projects:

Shelving units: Hold large projects, tools and materials. When items are stored in a consistent spot, students can easily identify and locate what they need.
Mobile bin storage: Can be rolled directly to student work areas, making distribution and collection of supplies easy. Bins make it simple to locate 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.
Lockable cabinet: Secures tools that may require teacher supervision. It also secures valuable materials or supplies overnight.

Choosing Your Flexible Learning Makerspace Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit your school's flexible learning makerspace. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs and get an itemized quote with just one click, including all three 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.

Flexible Arrangement Makerspace Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a flexible arrangement makerspace effective for middle and high school students?

Why is seating variety important in flexible makerspaces?

Incorporating a variety of seating options including traditional school chairs, soft seating, and wobble stools ensures students stay comfortable throughout the day. The flexible classroom gives students the freedom to choose the type of workspace that's best for them, which helps keep them focused and attentive.

How should large project spaces be designed in flexible makerspaces?

Large project spaces should include collaborative tables with spacious work areas that accommodate projects requiring multiple components or spread out reference materials. Rolling casters make it easy to move tables around the room as needed. Stools provide sturdy seating with backless design for freedom of movement during project work.

What storage solutions work best for flexible arrangement makerspaces?

Project storage spaces should include shelving units for large projects and tools, mobile bin storage that can be rolled directly to work areas, and lockable cabinets for tools requiring teacher supervision. The storage system should be easy-to-use to keep set ups and clean ups quick and simple.