Implementing a maker culture in elementary school:students’ perspectives

Abstract This study investigated students’ perspectives on working and studying within a maker culture context. Participants were fifth-grade students (n = 18) in a Finnish elementary school who worked on a fabrication project for five days. The data consisted of student questionnaires (n = 18), group presentations (n = 5) and the final fabrication products (n = 5). The findings indicate that students were satisfied with their maker projects in terms of their own contribution as well as their group’s work. Students reported that they learnt various skills, including technical skills, English language and study skills. Although digital fabrication was emphasised in the project, students mostly fabricated the elements for their final product using traditional fabrication methods. The findings from this study can be helpful for designing effective maker projects in primary education settings