A Case Study Examining the Purpose and Implementation of Fab Labs in PK-12 Education in Wisconsin

Abstract

A fab lab is a space with digital fabrication machines reflecting high tech solutions previously reserved for businesses. These spaces have drawn innovative people together to explore, play, and create similar to the way a library invites community members to utilize books and media. Fab labs are now evolving and being placed within educational facilities in Wisconsin; however, it is not clear how these labs are being used within a school setting. To understand this movement, three schools were selected to participate in interviews and document mining in which themes emerged within all three schools. The results identified a purpose and implementation practices of fab labs in the world of education. This research reveals ongoing needs of Wisconsin fab labs in education and suggest future support for schools and instructors implementing these labs.