Participants gain new STEM skills
Atlantic Technological University Sligo hosted six students from Sligo Youthreach, under the auspices of Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board, at the ATU MakerSpace workshop on campus earlier this year.
The day began with ATU MakerSpace facilitator Hassan Dabbagh introducing the students to the workshop and its facilities before he explained the thinking behind MakerSpace. “We then spoke about 3D printing and laser cutting, and where we could find examples of each,” says Hassan.
“The MakerSpace is a place for learning and creativity, so each student was tasked with designing something to be 3D printed from scratch. We discussed any issues with their designs before sending them to the printer.
“Finally, we talked about the laser cutter and its uses. Each student got to design and take home a cut piece.”
Noting that it was a pleasure to have Sligo Youthreach students visit ATU MakerSpace, Hassan adds: “It was great to work with such an enthusiastic and engaging group. I look forward to working with them again and wish them the best in their design-thinking journey.”
Thanking ATU MakerSpace for facilitating a “brilliant” workshop, a spokesperson from Youthreach says: “It was really enjoyable, and everybody learned something new from the day. We found it a great experience, and everyone – staff included – gained new knowledge and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills from the workshop.
“Hassan was an excellent lecturer and of great assistance. He engaged everybody and gave us the encouragement and space needed to be creative in an enquiry-based learning experience. This type of learning experience really suits our student cohort,” concludes the spokesperson.
In addition to its workshop on campus, ATU MakerSpace visits secondary schools under its outreach programme, as they look to inspire students to consider science and technology as exciting career choices.
ATU MakerSpace is run under ATU’s Higher Education 4.0 Project, which is funded by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3.
To find out more, or to book an ATU MakerSpace visit to your secondary school, click the button below.
