Why has “making” caught the attention of educators and what types of making are consistent with this interest? I am guessing that few educators appreciate programming, robotics, and 3D printing so it cannot be personal experience. I became a self taught programmer in the mid-80s because that is what you did and I can understand why those with similar experiences are excited in what new opportunities offer students. These skills end up serving my professional career and turning unique skills to your advantage is necessary in many professions. There is nothing like the satisfaction in creating something from nothing (kind of like writing) and struggling to make something you can imagine work. This is hard to explain to those who have not been there.
I think the interest stems from forms of learning we have all experienced outside of formal education. I call it “hobby learning”. School-based education cannot require hobby learning. If schools tried, they would ruin the experience. At best, I think schools can provide opportunities to explore through clubs or perhaps some new opportunity that would be equivalent of the “readings” or “special topics” credits we offer in higher ed. Something like a 20% time opportunity should that make sense to the tech inclined.
My recommendation (in contrast to my personal tech tendencies or the recent book advocating a Making, Tinkering, etc. approach with a tech focus) would be school gardens (vegetable or habitat exploration). Making offers interesting opportunities if we do not define it too narrowly.