Starr’s Mill’s media center recently obtained a Makerspace cart, a cart filled with technological devices designed to aid in the growth and development of creative learners. Mackin is a company that specializes in Makerspace and is the same company the media center purchased its Makerspace from.

There are different ways to set up a Makerspace area, certain schools have a room filled with different activities for students to do such as robotics, 3D printing, and experimentation with electronics. Makerspace areas serve to encourage students to step out of their comfort zone and try new things.

“The Makerspace gives the students who are not enrolled in the engineering class to come here and play around with the robotics and electronics and basically teach themselves how to work the gadgets,” media center specialist Leigh Anne Hanie said. “It’s very hands on work.”

Hanie decided to incorporate a Makerspace area in the media center for the students to experiment with the cart. She believe it contributes the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) movement.The cart is completely free to use for the teachers and students. Teachers can sign up to use the Makerspace cart during different periods. To complement the cart there is a new computer in the media center that contains high-end graphic capability for digital animation. A 3D printer pen is also available to the students to create designs and structures.

“I look forward to going to the library during lunch just to go and play with the 3D pen,” senior Malachi Thompson said. It’s really cool to have a new activity to do at school.”

Once the school is completely renovated over the summer, Hanie hopes that there will be a room dedicated to Makerspace in the near future.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the Makerspace evolves and hopefully more and more students will utilize it,” Hanie said.