The Maker Mat is a fan favorite resource my K-8 teaching teams love no matter what state I teach in. I created the mat almost 10 years ago and have been tweaking and using it ever since in every distinct classroom I enter! Classrooms as young as K and as old as 8th grade love this guiding template as it allows students to work independently through the engineering design process no matter what the design challenge is. It anchors learners as they organize their ideas, plan, and reflect on their designs, making it an essential tool for engaging with the iterative nature of the engineering design process.
 
This creative resource encourages divergent thinking and offers open-ended tasks that guide students through the exploration and development of their ideas. Whether in a Makerspace, classroom, or media center, it provides a structured yet flexible framework for students to explore, create, and innovate. The Maker Mat serves as a visual and hands-on way to help students understand how to break down a problem and think critically about solutions.
 
Features of the Maker Mat Template:
Blueprinting Anchor: Provides a structured way for students to plan and document their design process, from brainstorming to final product. It helps them visualize and refine their ideas.
Creative Expression: Students use any available materials to complete tasks, fostering hands-on learning and creativity while following the engineering design process steps.
Divergent Thinking: The tasks encourage students to think differently, explore various solutions, and iterate on their designs, critical engineering skills.
Planning and Reflection: Includes planning forms and reflection activities that allow students to analyze their designs, think critically, and document their thought process.
Digital and Printable Versions: Available on Google Slides, and printable formats, the Maker Mat is adaptable for home or school learning environments whether students are working through the challenge as a whole group or through a makerspace center.
 
Included Resources:
Printable or digital options
Maker Mat Jr. (best for K-2nd)
 
This Maker Mat provides a powerful framework for guiding learners through the steps of engineering design, encouraging creativity and critical thinking while ensuring they have a clear process to follow from ideation to final creation.