Maker Routines

The Take Apart Maker Routine was created by Agency by Design. To access a PDF copy, click here.

Find an object in your home you want to look closely at and learn more about. We are going to take it apart and discover how it works. Be sure to ask a parent if it is okay before you take it apart.

• Choose an object to examine through a mechanical dissection.

  • Check out your object thoroughly. What does it do? How does it work?

• Before diving into dissecting consider:

  • What tools do you need to disassemble the object?

  • What do you think you might learn about the object by taking it apart?

• As you take apart your object:

  • How would you name or describe each part?

  • What seem to be the purposes for the various parts?

  • How do the parts work together?

  • What seems to be the function for each part?

  • Does it seem like it was designed to be taken apart?

  • Feel free to label the parts and add notes on a sheet of paper as you start to take it apart

• As you examine your dissected object, consider these questions:

  • What new questions do you have about the object as you take it apart?

  • Would you be able to rebuild it?

  • What ideas do you have for redesigning this object now that you are familiar with it inside and out?

  • How might you use the components from this object for other purposes?

Important tips:

• Small plates are handy to capture tiny parts.

• Make sure to wear proper safety equipment

• Always get parent permission before taking apart an item or old toy

• Encourage your family to join and take apart the object with you.

Make sure to document your take apart and share your photos using #rcsmakers or email them to us so we can add them to our maker gallery.

Ideas for extension:

1. Try and see if you can put your object back together again

2. Repurpose your item and create something new with them. Maybe an art piece or a totally new creation.

Happy exploration, makers!

The Materials Exploration was created by Agency by Design. To access a PDF copy, click here.

Take some time to play, tinker with, and explore various materials and see what they might want to become. Make something or don’t. Try out some of the materials on the list below and add other materials. Notice some of the qualities mentioned below and add other things you notice.

Reflect…

What are some new ideas you have about using these materials to make something? What are some questions you have, now that you have had some time to see what these materials might become?

The System Mapping was created by Agency by Design. To access a PDF copy, click here.

The practice of mapping allows learners to build and demonstrate their understanding of the parts, people, and interactions that comprise a given system.

Before you begin to explore a specific system within your home, consider:

• What is a system? What words, metaphors, or phrases do you associate with the word system? What are some definitions of systems and how would you phrase those in your own words?

Look at/consider the system you are going to examine.

• What are some initial questions you have about the system?

• Using large paper and markers in different colors, create a visual map that helps to explain your system. Provide the name of the system you are mapping prominently on the page. As you respond to each question below, add the information to your map in a different color.

Mapping your system:

• List the various parts of your system on your map.

• Draw lines, include text, and show how those various parts interact with each other.

• Add the various individuals, groups, or organizations that are involved with your system to your map.

• Decide how to visually represent the variety of interactions of the individuals within your system?

Finding Opportunity:

• Now that you have a first draft of your map, ask: What do you know about your system? What more do you need to know?

• What new questions do you have about the system and the individuals in it now that you have mapped it?

• What are some ideas you have for how to improve the system?

Think Feel Care was created by Agency by Design. To access a PDF copy, click here.

Using inspiration around you, create a character. Brainstorm, what might your character think about? How might they feel? Or what do they care about? Then spend some time putting your character into their very own story. You can write a play, develop a graphic novel or comic, or even compose a song!

This routine was created by Agency by Design. To access a PDF copy, click here.

Choose an object or system in your home and ask yourself,

• Have I ever used this?

• Why did I use this?

• What do I like about it?

• What do I dislike about it?

• How would my life be different if I didn't use it?

Then ask someone else around your house the same questions.

When done, compare the two perspectives. How do you see things the same or different?

This routine was created by Agency by Design. To access a PDF copy, click here.

Choose an object or system.

Ask questions such as:

• How could you make it more effective? (work better)

• How could you make it more efficient? (easier to use; faster to use)

• How could you make it more ethical? (better for the community; easier to share; safer; more fair)

• How could you make it more beautiful?

• How could you make it ____________?