School launches ‘maker spaces’
Children from Goodwood School will take their learning to a new level next term as they launch Cambridge’s first ‘‘maker space’’.
It’s an international initiative where people with a passion for making things come together and share their ideas with other makers.
‘‘We like to say that if you can imagine it, you can make it,’’ teacher in charge, Jayne Dahlberg said.
The group is run by students, she just facilitates it.
The younger students will start out with cardboard construction, while the seniors will be involved with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) challenges.
Dahlberg said it was a handson way for students to learn new things.
‘‘Makers are generally not in it for the money, this isn’t about filing patents or making a profit.
‘‘But at the same time, we’re not anti-commercial. Makers sometimes start businesses and we celebrate that, but we don’t make it a focus as it would change the spirit of the movement,’’ she said.
Maker leader Toby Joll is excited to be involved with do-ityourself technology.
‘‘I know that we have some really creative kids at this school that don’t always have the chance to do this sort of stuff,’’ the eight- year-old said.
Fellow leader Maclennan, nine, agreed.
‘‘We’re going to challenges for people to do.’’
Maker spaces can be any shape and size, but they all serve as a gathering point for tools, projects, mentors and expertise.
Dahlberg said it was aimed at giving students useful feedback on what they are working on. That feedback is offered in spirit of generosity and is received with similar openness spirit. Jamie have
‘‘Makers celebrate other makers, what they make, how they make it and the enthusiasm and passion that drivers them.’’
She was hoping to get some local people in to give demonstrations to the children, or donate things for them to use.
‘‘There are two different types of resources that we are interested in, reusable tools and consumable materials,’’ she said.
It ranges from electronics and batteries, to hardware, tape, power tools, sandpaper and much more.
‘‘We are a community of people who have a passion for making things, and we want to share that with others by making with others.’’
They build off the ideas of others and choose the best tools for the job.
If any businesses are interested in supporting the group with materials or funds they can email Jayne Dahlberg at jayne@goodwood.school.nz or phone the school.