Tucked into the corner of the Manhattan High School library, the Makerspace is a haven for the imagination of students. With 3D printers, Cricut cutters, sewing machines, knitting machines, laser engravers and much more, this creative playground is open to all during both lunches and by appointment.
The Makerspace was established three years ago, funded by grants. In that time, the space has grown from a curious idea to a fully fledged space that allows students to experiment and use tools that they might not have access to, for free.
“We’ve got various tools and supplies that students can use to complete whatever project they can think of,” Technology Integration Specialist Jenny Karr said. “It can be projects for class assignments. It can be projects for clubs, or it could be just personal projects or items that they are wanting for home or family or friends.”
For students looking for a structured event revolving around the Makerspace and what it has to offer, a StudentSquare sign-up was extended on Jan. 20 for Makerspace FlexTime sessions. Spots are still open for various activities: a Feb. 19 custom sticker activity, April 2 personalized mug or tumbler session and a April 23 personalized thank you card opportunity.
Stickers, personalized T-shirts and hats, a mouse for your student iPad, engraved water bottles, pin and button designs, 3D printed anything — these are just some of the things that can be made in the Makerspace.
“Our MASA club right now is making rocket fins and some circular items. The Robotics Club has been 3D printing gears for their robot,” Karr said. “We have a sublimation printer, which is heat press ink… the school has used that to make gifts for our veterans and counselors.”
When senior Levi Malcolm entered the Makerspace three years ago, the sky was the limit for him.
“Me and my friend just started making all kinds of different things,” Malcolm said. “I was having fun… I also made some pretty difficult things over periods of time.”
With two gallons of resin, dozens of pencils, walnut wood from his woodwork class as a frame and two hours of work, Malcolm made a chessboard with pencils for each of the squares.
“I’ve been able to make things that I haven’t been able to make previously,” Malcolm said. “The idea of having an idea and then suddenly, it’s coming into fruition, it’s a crazy concept.”
The Makerspace is also a bridge to CTE classes. As a free, accessible space for self-expression where there isn’t the pressure of grades, students can venture in and find something they’re passionate about — and then pursue those classes.
“It’s introducing students to technology that they may not otherwise have thought about or had access to,” Karr said. “K-State has an innovation lab in their library and has similar tools to what we have here. So, for those students going to K-State, we’ve exposed them to things that are available to the next level.”
On the surface, the Makerspace looks like a room full of gadgets. But, behind the machines is a bridge for students to be able to work on passion projects and express their creativity.
“If you have any idea in mind or if you have anything that you’ve always wanted to have… this is the place to do it. You can make anything your mind comes to,” Malcolm said.
