On Saturday, June 1, students and families attended Chapin’s first annual Maker Faire, an event designed to engage students – and their grownups – in areas of STEAM in hands-on, meaningful ways.
Guests toured various stations, beginning in the Hayot Center for Innovation (HCI) and expanding into other classrooms and Gym 6. They were invited to design circuits powered by lemons, explore non-Newtonian fluids while making slime, observe the laws of thermodynamics while making their own ice cream, and build scribble bots to complete simple, colorful tasks. Students, parents and siblings were often side-by-side sharing their curiosity and excitement through each activity.
During the event, the Upper School robotics team held a successful bake sale to raise money for new robot parts and the Middle School robotics team gave demonstrations, inspiring younger students to inquire about becoming involved themselves.
“I can’t express how excited and proud I am of the Upper School students and how they facilitated activities and stations for their younger peers,” said Dr. Jonathan Olivera, Director of the HCI and advisor for the Maker Faire. “They were engaging and cognizant of the needs of the younger students in very mature and teacher-like ways. The best part was that it was student-led and I think that’s what created such a community feeling to the event.”
The Maker Faire was primarily organized by a committee consisting of 15 Upper School students and executed with the help of nine additional student volunteers. While the students led the planning, preparation and activities, the professional community added support and guidance throughout the process. Dr. Olivera said, “Contributions from the PC really pulled it together. From coaching to demonstrations, and the willingness of people to jump in and help at the last minute. You could feel the full community in the event.”
Before the event ended, student organizers were already looking to the future and discussing how to grow the event next year. They also shared memories and gratitude for the late Dr. Vivienne Forrester Angus, who helped craft the event’s format and supported the committee throughout the planning process.
