Makerspace Update: April 2026
Note From Joseph
Hey Friends,
It's been another jam-packed few weeks over here, and we've got a lot to share.
This month I'm redirecting a lot of my energy toward some things I've been looking forward to addressing — building out our workshop offerings, programming schedule, and a brand new project which I'm most excited about…
Sean and I are building custom makerspace management software that reimagines how spaces like ours are run. Think an app that gives staff complete control over the space, and on the student side, an inviting platform that keeps them engaged with the makerspace while tracking their progress in a way that's actually fun. We already have an MVP in development and are super excited about where it's headed. I'll resist the urge to spill all the good bits just yet… for now, let's just say a lot more to come.
In the meantime, the mobile makerspace has been out in the wild with some stories worth sticking around for, plus new tools just landed. Scroll on!
New Arrivals
Check it out… new stuff!
Soldering Irons
Creates permanent electrical connections for building circuit boards and tinkering with electronics.
Mini Vacuum Formers
Softens plastic sheets with heat, then sucks them onto objects to create custom molds, packaging, and lightweight costume parts.
Siser Romeo
A computer-controlled blade that cuts stickers, stencils, and iron-on graphics from thin materials like vinyl.
Class Recap: Cardboard Prototyping with Math II
Our first mobile makerspace class integration was a major success!
We teamed up with Krista Serra’s Math 2 class to make a unit on similar triangles a bit more tactile. We designed an activity and accompanying worksheet that guided students through using Chompsaws to cut and assemble cardboard strips into two simple "math machines" which demonstrate proportional relationships: a pantograph (a device that scales up hand-drawn images) and a set of proportional dividers (scissor-shaped tools for scaling measurements).
Once constructed, the worksheet guided students through using the machines to take measurements and perform calculations that proved the proportionality theorems and revealed how each machine works.
Class Recap: Chocolates and Gratitude with ELD
For English Language Development teacher Krista Serra, teaching gratitude is just as important as the curriculum itself. So when we rolled into her classroom our job was simple: help students create a handmade gift for someone they’re thankful for.
Students used a vacuum former (a tool which heats food-safe plastic until malleable and pulls it into shape using suction) to create a custom, reusable chocolate mold. They then poured in melted chocolate, let it set, and packaged up their creations.
While waiting their turn at the formers, students put their English language skills to the test — writing heartfelt thank-you notes and designing handmade cards for that special person. By the end of class, every student walked away with a unique chocolate and a thoughtful message. In our eyes - a massive win.
Our Mission
Think big and make a difference in South Lake Tahoe through innovative programs in our core operating pillars: FEED, READ, and LEAD. Learn more here.