LIMESTONE, Maine — It has been nearly two years since the Maine School of Science and Mathematics secured a 6,000 square-foot classroom in its academic building for a student engineering space. Since the Makerspace’s completion in the spring of 2013, the classroom has been utilized regularly for robotics, art and astronomy classes, as well as the VEX Robotics team.
“The Makerspace not only provides more physical room, it also serves as a social place where students congregate to create and confer, to discuss, argue and laugh. Its pod bays open to different realms in science, engineering, robotics and technology,” said Larry Berz, astronomy teacher at MSSM.
During MSSM’s most recent summer camp, nearly 500 students used the space for robotics courses. In addition, approximately 75 teachers throughout Maine made the most of the Makerspace to build and outfit underwater robots during the MSSM’s annual STEM Educators’ Camp held in August.
“I really enjoy the Makerspace because it lets me apply what I’ve already learned,” Andy Whitman, an MSSM senior said. “Anyone can sit through a class and absorb knowledge, but it’s the application of the knowledge that’s essential. To me, that’s the exciting part.”
In the fall of 2013, MSSM received a $5,000 donation from the Katahdin Trust Company to further equip the engineering lab. More recently, Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds program donated an additional $5,000 towards the efforts of the Makerspace.
“Time Warner Cable’s partnership with MSSM is a win-win in many ways,” said Stephanie Salanger, TWC Northeast community investment manager. “By supporting hands-on, creative STEM content for the students, we are really investing in tomorrow’s workforce as well as in the communities we serve in Maine. Our employees are very passionate about impacting the people and communities in which they live and work. We are very proud of the work we accomplish through Connect a Million Minds and the connections we have with MSSM students.”
MSSM robotics instructor Greg Hamlin said the grants have already been put to good use, such as supplying the Makerspace with basic hand tools, a 3D printer, milling machine and more.
“The donation helped us create a space where students can build and create using many different materials and technologies, including wood, metal, plastic, and electronic components. We hope to eventually acquire a laser cutter, which would be useful for a range of student activities and projects: from engineering, robotics, and art classes to the rocketry club,” Hamlin said.
For more information about donating to the makerspace, visit the MSSM Foundation website at www.mssm.org /foundation and click on “Ways to Give” on the left hand side of the page.
