Fremont, California sits in the midst of some of the world’s most incredible and historical innovations. Many camps and tech savvy school activities for kids have sprouted up in the Silicon Valley environment. This is not only a phenomena unique to the Bay Area scene, but is also manifest in the Maker movement that is rapidly growing around the world. A new era of design, prototyping, and production is upon us. This is made possible by the advent and accessibility of open source hardware, software, and many incredible new machines. Currently, mostly adults have access to true technical shop environments, commonly referred to as a MakerSpace. What if you were to get this ultra creative environment and throw kids into it? A group in the Bay Area has decided to do just that.
The Fremont MakerSpace is listed online as “a Creative’s Paradise” that is open for the entire community to volunteer and support, but with a focus on the After School Open Tech Shop sessions designed specifically for kids. Here children 8 and up are set loose on 3D printers, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, electronics, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, soldering, drones, and a variety of art and music activities. All are taught together using open source and professional software suites. Simple programming and coding are also part of the curriculum that has been developed with design thinking as the premise. The folks at this newest rendition of a MakerSpace believe that children’s exposure to today’s tech is crucial for our future. Their stated goal is to foster the ability to think with a new perspective and then use technology to design and implement meaningful projects.
The upstairs of this MakerSpace is dedicated to music and digital media production. A sound room and green screen room are filled with instruments, audio, video and associated equipment. The director Aaron Carvajal explains, “We strive to activate the entire brain using music and art along with technology to stir creativity. Scans of brain activity show that nothing exercises the entire brain completely like playing a musical instrument. We also have a weekly ‘Make Food’ class designed to teach about healthy foods and preparation. We find that design thinking is closely related to holistic thinking. We aim to provide members with an environment that supports the many parts of a maker project - most importantly a community of peers always available to assist and motivate.”
This emphasis on developing one’s potential using the arts is gaining popularity. A web search shows that the traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) has been widely infused with an “A” for Art to make STEAM. The ability to design and make seems more relevant than ever considering the advent and availability of machines that were once the domain of manufacturing factories. Things have changed now that machines previously costing $500,000 can be suitably replicated for the home user for about $500. Although the tools are now available, many parents do not have the time or experience to introduce these incredible inventions and software to their children. Jose Rodriguez, a parent and member confirms, “The Fremont MakerSpace really fills a huge gap between traditional scholastic education and the rapidly changing world being molded by technology.”
The MakerSpace for kids is located a few blocks from the Tesla factory where the Model S and X electric car and the PowerWall are being built. Also within 20 minutes of San Jose and San Francisco, this is a prime area for a tech shop. Carvajal says that the response from the community has been one of “genuine excitement and gratitude for a space that everyone agrees was sorely needed.” The Fremont MakerSpace offers a free day pass for students in Fremont Unified School District from ages 8 to 12 and 20% off of the first month’s membership dues. Prices range from $180 a month for 1 day a week to $640 a month for 5 days a week. This includes a free shuttle service from Fremont schools to the MakerSpace. Visit http://fremontmakerspace.com for more information.
For more information please contact:
Aaron Carvajal, Media Relations
4450 Enterprise St. Ste. 111, Fremont, CA 94538
Office: (510) 736-2531
Cell: (831) 334-4351
enroll@fremontmakerspace.com
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