MakerSpace Day encourages creative thinking

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From left, sophomores Aliya Rogers, Caleb McDaniels, Nicholas Cara, Ryder Stahl and Malcolm Bristow use leftover recycled materials to create a sculpture. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OVERLAND PARK — Students at John Paul II School happily hosted the school’s fourth annual MakerSpace Day.

Held on May 2 this year, the one-day event was spearheaded by enrichment coordinator Peggy Kelly, who pioneered the idea when she joined the school staff in 2018.

From left to right, fifth graders Felix Bell and Brennan Leary create scented soaps under the supervision of parent volunteer Sarah Preu. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Students in grades one through eight participated in exciting activities designed to develop student skills in problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and resourcefulness.

A station run by Scraps KC, a local organization that provided materials for students to create projects from recycled materials, was a success.

Left to right, Eva Rivera, Jacquie Churchill and Dariel Baca decorate cookies at one of the eighth grade MakerSpace booths. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Another highlight was the “Duct Tape Fashion Show” hosted by the school’s sixth and seventh graders. The students created outfits made of nothing but duct tape and paper.

The students were confronted with challenges and encouraged to solve them. They were encouraged to be resourceful, work hard and have fun.

To see a photo album of John Paul II’s MakerSpace Day, click here.