By Ciara Oakley-Robbins
Saturday April 30th was a day to remember for Mashpee High School. They hosted the third annual Mini Maker Faire. In previous years it has been hosted at Cape Cod Community College. This year, Mashpee really built up their technology center and makerspace and hosted the Maker Faire. As a senior at Mashpee who is very involved in the technology department, I was very excited when I heard this event was coming. I worked alongside Mr. Looney, Mr. Blute, and Mrs. Hough to get the Maker Faire happen. I even decided to get my own table and show off things I made in wood shop.
Saturday April 30th was a day to remember for Mashpee High School. They hosted the third annual Mini Maker Faire. In previous years it has been hosted at Cape Cod Community College. This year, Mashpee really built up their technology center and makerspace and hosted the Maker Faire. As a senior at Mashpee who is very involved in the technology department, I was very excited when I heard this event was coming. I worked alongside Mr. Looney, Mr. Blute, and Mrs. Hough to get the Maker Faire happen. I even decided to get my own table and show off things I made in wood shop.
At my table, “Ciara’s Senior Project”, I had on display 7 of my projects as well as a slide show and poster from senior exhibition night. On my poster I included my research, pictures, a description of my project, and why I chose that project. Some of my projects included works from the ShopBot, laser engraver, detailed painting, and work on the lathe. I had a candy dispenser, a turned bowl, wood pens, and various signs. My powerpoint consisted of detailed, step by step, descriptions of the projects I have made. I talked about the computer programs, machines, and materials I used. When people walked around to my table I told them about going to college next year to study psychology but also hoping to continue my use my skills from woodshop to have a side business and continue my passion for woodworking.
Along with having my table setup, I also volunteered at the maker faire. On friday afternoon I helped set up all the tables and chairs. In the morning I helped various exhibitors bring in and set up all their things. I also put up posters all around the cafe and gym advertizing to spectators to tweet their experience using the hashtag “#CCFM16”. Throughout the day I was running back and forth between my table and the table outfront checking in spectators.
The maker movement is an amazing new movement that many people are joining to make a living. Throughout my experience with the maker faire and learning about the maker movement, I have decided this is a movement I will join. After college I hope to save up money for a ShopBot and continue making signs for a profit. The maker faire was a great experience as a spectator, exhibitor, and volunteer that I would recommend everyone go to once in their life. Next years event will be bigger and better than ever and is not something you want to miss out on.