written by our collaborators at the Maker Lab
by Jan Bawol ’23
The Bellarmine Maker Faire 2023 was a remarkable event that brought together students, educators, and makers from across the region. Hosted at the Bellarmine Maker Lab on April 1st, this four-hour event was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
Attendees of all ages were treated to a variety of interactive workshops and activities, each designed to ignite curiosity and inspire learning. From seasoned makers to curious first-timers, the event was a melting pot of ideas and creativity. It was inspiring to see so many people united by their love of innovation and invention!
The Maker Lab Tours were an excellent opportunity for visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Maker Lab’s latest projects. The tours were led by knowledgeable guides who were passionate about their work and eager to share their knowledge with visitors. It was fascinating to see the range of projects that were underway, from combat robotics to woodworking to 3D printing.
The Wind Tunnel Simulation was a crowd-pleaser, allowing participants to simulate a wind tunnel and fly various objects to learn about aerodynamics and the forces of flight. It was a thrilling experience to see objects fly through the air in a controlled, scientific environment.
The Bread Baking Workshop was a delicious treat for all who participated. Participants learned the art of baking naan bread and got to enjoy the delicious results of their efforts. It was a great opportunity to learn a new skill and indulge in some tasty treats.
The Breakout Box Workshop was a huge hit with visitors. This Bellarmine-themed escape room simulation challenged participants to use their problem-solving skills to crack codes, solve puzzles, and unlock the breakout box. It was a great way to test ingenuity and work collaboratively with others.
The Sumo Robotics Workshop was a highlight of the event, giving participants the chance to build parts for a Sumo Robot and battle it out in a custom arena. It was a high-energy and competitive experience that tested participants’ engineering and robotics skills.
The Egg Drop Workshop was a great way to put engineering skills to the test, challenging participants to design and build a contraption that could protect an egg from a one-story drop. It was an exciting and fun activity that provided a tangible outcome for participants’ creativity.
The Bracelet-Making Workshop was a fun and interactive experience that allowed participants to create one-of-a-kind bracelets using specialized tools, wires, and an assortment of beads and ornaments that they could give as gifts to family and friends.
The Spaghetti Tower Challenge added a touch of fun and competition to the day, challenging participants to build the tallest tower possible using only spaghetti and a marshmallow as a topper. The results were impressive!
The Wheel of Design Workshop was a thrilling challenge game that pushed participants to their creative limits. Participants were given materials and constraints to design and prototype their product, putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test.
The Button-Making Workshop was another hit with visitors, allowing them to design their own custom badges using button-making equipment. It was a great way to show off creativity and take home unique, personalized buttons.
The Polaroid Frame Workshop was a unique experience, providing laser-cut wooden templates for participants to assemble a multi-layered frame art piece with a photo in the center. It was a personalized and unique art piece that participants can proudly display in their homes.
The Rocket Launching Workshop was another crowd-pleaser, allowing participants to make paper rockets and launch them over 50 feet into the air using compressed air. It was an amazing display of the power of air pressure and a thrilling experience for all involved.
The Bike Generator & Telescope Display was an engaging and informative experience, teaching visitors how to generate energy using human power and measure their power output with the Maker Lab’s eMotion bike generator. Attendees also learned about our Lab’s telescope project, and the work that goes into such a craft.
The Lego Building Station was another unique workshop, giving attendees free rein to create whatever they wanted using Lego bricks. The results ranged in size and purpose and were a testament to the limitless possibilities of creativity.
The DIY Car Derby was another interesting challenge game, where attendees were able to create their own cars using low fidelity materials and then race them down a custom-made derby ramp. This workshop allowed attendees to put their engineering and design skills to the test in a friendly competition.
Last but not least, the Cotton Candy Making Station offered an exciting experience, teaching participants the art of spinning sugar into fluffy, delicious cotton candy. With the guidance of experienced makers, attendees were able to create their own sweet treats and take samples home to share with family and friends.
A huge shoutout to everyone who helped make the Maker Faire a success! Your hard work, dedication, and passion for making and creating made this event possible. Thank you for sharing your time, skills, and knowledge with the community and inspiring the next generation of makers. We couldn’t have done it without you!
© Jan Bawol ’23
For more photos on the Faire, click here: bit.ly/3K85Zix
