Did you ever have a project that you were really excited about when you were a kid? Were you so interested in the topic that you couldn't stop learning about it—even after the school day ended? This kind of self-directed learning builds confidence, and it has been strongly linked to success in the classroom and beyond.
The Museum's Chevron Maker Annex takes self-directed learning to the next level as children explore their interests and technology. In the summer months, projects become even more elaborate as part of ideaMAKE workshops. Over several days, children plan and build their own creations, using 3D printers, a laser cutter, a sewing machine, design software, and many more tools. Along the way, they receive support and guidance from the Museum's degreed educators.
Every ideaMAKE project is unique—with kids designing everything from the whimsical to the practical. This summer's creations included a functional hydraulic arm, a soccer game table, and a fluffy cloud lamp that changed colors with LED lighting. Ten-year old Kamilah (pictured above) made her own bracelet.
"I liked the workshop because I got to recycle pieces of a water bottle, color them, and use a tea candle to shape them for my bracelet," said Kamilah. "My favorite part was making charms with the laser cutter. I learned how to design my charms on the computer and send them to the machine to be cut. After all my pieces were ready, I had so much fun putting my bracelet together!"
--> Read more about the Chevron Maker Annex
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Sep 17, 2026
Did you ever have a project that you were really excited about when you were a kid? Were you so interested in the topic that you couldn't stop learning about it—even after the school day ended? This kind of self-directed learning builds confidence, and it has been strongly linked to success in the classroom and beyond.
The Museum's Chevron Maker Annex takes self-directed learning to the next level as children explore their interests and technology. In the summer months, projects become even more elaborate as part of ideaMAKE workshops. Over several days, children plan and build their own creations, using 3D printers, a laser cutter, a sewing machine, design software, and many more tools. Along the way, they receive support and guidance from the Museum's degreed educators.
Every ideaMAKE project is unique—with kids designing everything from the whimsical to the practical. This summer's creations included a functional hydraulic arm, a soccer game table, and a fluffy cloud lamp that changed colors with LED lighting. Ten-year old Kamilah (pictured above) made her own bracelet.
"I liked the workshop because I got to recycle pieces of a water bottle, color them, and use a tea candle to shape them for my bracelet," said Kamilah. "My favorite part was making charms with the laser cutter. I learned how to design my charms on the computer and send them to the machine to be cut. After all my pieces were ready, I had so much fun putting my bracelet together!"
--> Read more about the Chevron Maker Annex
