The students at Olentangy Hyatts Middle School are excited to work in the expanded Makerspace thanks to a generous grant from the Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) and sponsorship from Robertson Construction. The initiative, spearheaded by Library/Media Specialist Elizabeth Waltz, aims to provide students with enhanced access to a diverse array of creative tools and technology, fostering innovation and hands-on learning.
The newly expanded Makerspace is equipped with a wide range of state-of-the-art resources, allowing students to explore their interests and unleash their creativity. From traditional arts and crafts to cutting-edge technology, there's something for everyone to discover and experiment with. Among the highlights of the Makerspace are:
Embroidery Machine: Students can bring their designs to life with the precision and intricacy of an embroidery machine, adding a unique touch to their projects.
Laser Cutter: Offering precision cutting and engraving capabilities, the laser cutter opens up endless possibilities for creating intricate designs and personalized items.
Cameras and Video-Making Equipment: Budding filmmakers and photographers can hone their skills with professional-grade cameras and video-making equipment, capturing their stories and visions with clarity and creativity.
3-D Printer: With the 3-D printer, students can turn their digital designs into tangible objects, exploring the realms of prototyping, engineering, and design.
Cricut Materials Cutter: Perfect for precision cutting of various materials, the Cricut machine allows students to bring their designs to life with ease and accuracy.
Drones: Taking to the skies, students can learn about aerodynamics, programming, and aerial photography as they pilot drones through the Makerspace.
Robot-Making Materials: Robotics enthusiasts can tinker and build, experimenting with circuits, motors, and sensors to create their own custom robots.
Button Making Machine: Adding a fun and interactive element, the button making machine lets students design and create their own custom buttons, perfect for expressing themselves or promoting their projects.
With access to such a diverse range of tools and resources, students are empowered to explore their interests, develop valuable skills, and pursue their passions. Whether they're delving into the world of art, engineering, or technology, the Makerspace provides a supportive environment where creativity knows no bounds.
Elizabeth Waltz, the visionary behind the Makerspace, emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and creative exploration. "Our Hyatts staff has been exploring the new equipment funded by our grant and the possibilities it brings to their classrooms. The addition of these items has impacted our teachers and students in many ways. We see a lot of potential with the sublimation printer & heat press. One of the first projects with this equipment included using it to create classroom incentives for students. Science teachers within the building have also found the digital camera and photo printer to be a great way to document student learning in our newly developed wetlands area and during hands-on classroom activities. SLC students visit the makerspace weekly to explore and engage in activities that strengthen their fine motor skills. The sewing machine and tools offer a life skill that is beneficial for our students and staff to explore. We are in the process of forming a Sewing Club as well. The addition of the items to the Hyatts Makerspace provided through the fund from OEF grant have impacted our building greatly. Kindness, Service, Acceptance and Leadership are the Pillars of Hyatts Middle School. Grant funding of this equipment ensures student growth and enrichment opportunities for years to come.
It's wonderful that our staff and students have access to materials and equipment in the makerspace that they may not have at home. Grant funding has enabled us to purchase specialized equipment that allows staff members to explore and try out new ideas, to tinker and to experiment. We are all lifelong learners. Ultimately, this exploration leads to connecting ideas with students and curriculum. One example is a staff member here who is teaching a colleague how to sew using our Makerspace sewing machine. We have a small group of students who are interested in sewing and are going to be making a quilt for a charity called Megan's Mission. Additionally, we have teachers who are intrigued by laser engravers and are trying out new ideas on their own, all while having the ultimate goal connecting this with student learning in their classrooms. Without grant funding, this would not be possible. I have received multiple OEF grants over the years, and I can truly say that grant funding allows us to bring more creativity and innovation to our spaces that typically wouldn't be funded in the budget. Thank you to OEF for making these opportunities possible.”
The Makerspace at Olentangy Hyatts Middle School represents a collaborative effort between educators, community partners, and supporters of education. Through initiatives like this, students are equipped with the skills and mindset they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world, where creativity and innovation are valued more than ever before.
