Getting Crafty

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School students displayed more than 30 projects in the library on Wednesday, January 17 during a Makerfaire.

Projects ranged from epoxy resin tables to stained glass lanterns, with students using the various skills they were taught by their Makerspace teacher, Chris Stark. The skills included engineering design basics, drafting and drawing, measuring, carpentry, coding, 3-D printing, laser cutting and etching, electronics and electrical wiring, (computer numerical control) CNC milling, stained glass work, and soldering.

With 30 days remaining in the semester, the students were asked to develop a final project, dubbed their "Makerspace Masterpiece," to present at the Makerfaire. Initial proposals were vetted to ensure that they were attainable and could be completed given the student's skill levels and the time allotted.

Stark, whose ultimate goal is to have each student leave the Makerspace classroom with at least one new skill that they can use to become successfully employed, said he is truly proud of his students and he is excited to grow the Mahar Makers into one of the most successful Makerspaces in the public school system.

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School Principal Scott Hemlin checks out kitchenware, spoons, and a cutting board made by Logan Burke, right, and a stained glass electric lantern made by Megan Parse at the Mahar Makers' Makerfaire on Wednesday, January 17.

Staff photo by Paul Franz

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School student Madilyn Moore shows the epoxy resin table she made out of walnut to educator Maureen Donovan at the Mahar Makers' Makerfaire on Wednesday, January 17.

Staff photo by Paul Franz

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School student Maximus Parsons shows where he will mount the electric motor onto a BMX bike conversion at the Mahar Makers' Makerfaire on Wednesday, January 17

Staff photo by Paul Franz