After School Makerspace Program 2018-2019

This year, the Makerspace Mentors of Ashland High School ran 8 after school programs for local middle school students and elementary school students. These programs included, 3D design, 3D printing, woodworking, electronics, scratch, technology tear down, and flying objects. It was such a privilege to be able to serve as a mentor and get to know so many creative and fun kids in our district. Here are some highlights of the past year:

 The Mindess elementary school students started off the year with a 3D design course. Mentors helped students learn how to use various tools in our makerspace, the Ashland Innovation Center. These tools included the styrofoam cutter and the scroll saw. This allowed the kids to become more familiar with the space and learn how to safely use power tools.

The children made fantastic projects spanning everything from the kawaii cactus (left) to a soccer net. As a mentor, it was really cool to see the fantastic things that the students could come up with, and it was gratifying to see them learn how to turn their imagination into reality.




Another Mindess session was woodworking. Mentors taught the kids how to responsibly use saws, hammers, drills, and more to create beautiful wooden creations. The kids chose to make either wooden frames or wooden boxes. It truly was a test of patience and precision, but they all successfully completed their projects.Then, they went on to make their own projects with the skills that they learned.

The Middle schoolers really enjoyed our new technology tear down session. Mentors showed students how to take apart computers, keyboards, toys, and more. Then, they made their own creations from salvaged parts.

This session encouraged students to pursue their curiosity and learn what's inside of everyday objects. They learned how to be not afraid to break things and to recycle electronic components.

Many thanks to all who donated tech to be taken apart, and we are always looking for donations!

To end the year for the Mindess kids, we ran a flying objects program. Students had the opportunity to make their own rockets, catapults, and miniature ziplines. They also got to play with wooden catapults that the high schoolers made and they got to fly drones.

We started by teaching the kids to make soda straw rockets to introduce them to the principles of flying objects. Then we moved to catapults to teach them about projectiles, and finished off the rocketry segment by making air pressure rockets.

Having the kids fly drones was quite a risk, but it was worth it as the kids and the mentors had so much fun.


Next year, we will continue to run programs and will introduce new sessions as well. Until then, have an awesome summer vacation!

3D Printing with Mindess

Almost every week at the Ashland Innovation Center, high school students serve as "Makerspace Mentors" and help Middle School and Mindess (grades 3-5) students learn about STEM. The most recent session of the AIC Mindess program was 3D Printing. It's been really fun and a great experience for everyone involved.

Aspects of 3D Design: Backlash

Aspects of 3D design

In this blog I hope to chronicle the lessons I learn throughout my process of designing my own creations. My goal is to be able to help others create their own designs, while avoiding the same mistakes that I have made.

What is Backlash?

In terms of 3D design, backlash is the term to describe the amount to space between moving parts before they actually begin to touch. In other words, it is the gap between different pieces of your design.

Why is Backlash Important?

Backlash is a necessary component to creating a final product with moving parts or that must be assembled from what you have made.

How to 3D Print from Tinkercad to the Creator Pro

Have you ever wondered how to print your 3D Design from Tinkercad to the Creator Pro? Find out by watching the video below.