Learning continues after classes for students at the HUB
Published 4:04 pm Friday, October 17, 2014
While most students headed home to relax after an early release from school Wednesday, about handful of kids gathered in the spacious MakerTron lab in Clinton to learn the basics of computer-aided design and 3-D printing techniques.
MakerTron lab, also known as Whidbey Makers, is an educational facility funded by The South Whidbey Science Fund, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the increase of math and science literacy. At MakerTron, visitors learn a variety of technological skills in a fun and accessible manner.
During Wednesday’s class, MakerTron staff taught kids about 3D printed objects and assisted them in creating their own. Students also learned other elements of computer-aided design and developed their own casts and molds.
“It’s kind of the wave of the future,” said Frankie Petitclerc, HUB program manager.
Near the end of the day, Brad Kenney, chief creative officer at Whidbey Makers, led a discussion of the ways in which 3D printing technology is being implemented in the field of medicine, specifically for prosthetics. He also touched on the multiple creative and artistic uses of both 3D printing and computer-aided design.
Petitclerc noted that the MakerTron experience offers kids an opportunity to use and learn about equipment and technologies they may not otherwise have access to.
“It was really exciting and fun,” said Lexie Smith.
“It was pretty fun and wasn’t boring like I thought it was going to be,” Sabastian Shewell said. “I thought it was going to be like a classroom but it was a fun activity.”
The HUB is an after-school program operating from the basement of Langley United Methodist Church that is available to all students in grades 6 through 12. The program offers kids a space in which to do homework, work on creative projects, socialize, play games and enjoy a warm meal.
Each week, the HUB also offers activities such as Monday drum lessons, Tuesday Magic the Gathering club, Thursday guitar lessons and movies each Friday. Off-site field trips and special events, such as the class at MakerTron labs often take place on early release days.
“I hope The HUB and Whidbey Makers will be able to do more collaborative projects together in the future,” said Petitclerc.
For more information about the HUB, visit thehubafterschool.org. For more information about MakerTron labs, visit facebook.com/whidbeymakers.
