Where Imagination Meets Hands-On Learning: School Groups at Create Makerspace
When schools bring their students to Create Makerspace, they enter a realm where creativity takes centre stage, and hands-on learning is the name of the game. Whether it's woodworking, textiles, or pottery, students walk away not just with a project in hand but with skills, confidence, and memories to last a lifetime.
Woodworking
Imagine the sound of saws humming and hammers tapping, as young hands transform raw materials into something tangible. Woodworking at Create Makerspace isn’t just about crafting birdhouses or wooden mallets —though students love taking those home. It’s about learning to measure twice, cut once, and trust their ability to create. They’re not just building projects; they’re building problem-solving skills and an appreciation for craftsmanship. And yes, we’re there to supervise every nail and saw stroke. Safety first, but fun? Always.
Education Manager Jason helping a student create a steam bent wooden box, an Indigenous traditional technique
In April 2024, Create Makerspace hosted a paddle carving workshop for a school group of 13 youth from the Phoenix Magnet Academy. The group of 14-15 year olds spent 8 x 3h sessions working on their paddles. Art Harry teaches the Indigenous cultural practice of canoe paddle carving to youth fosters a deep connection to heritage, promotes cultural understanding, and develops valuable hands-on skills.
Instructor Lenny Rubenovitch demonstrates canoe paddle carving with a spokeshave
As well as practicing the hands-on techniques, students get to try learn technologies such as laser engraving. They each created their own display plaque with their name and the date of the workshop. Instilling a sense of pride in young makers is what lights us up, and seeing their beaming faces when they leave the shop, well that’s what it’s all about.
Students with their laser engraved plaques
The students posing with their finished paddles on a visit to the St’á7mes (Stawamus) reserve
Our super popular mallet making program has engaged groups from Skyridge Montessori, Squamish Home Learners, and of course our very own Afterschool Program. With this project, hand tools are the focus, and these require dedication, accuracy and patience - skills that are often devalued in today’s fast-paced digital society. Nothing gets kids off their phones like learning new hand skills!
The Experience That Sticks
When students leave Create Makerspace, they’re buzzing with excitement. “Look what I made!” they shout as they step off the bus, clutching their handmade treasures. More importantly, they’ve gained something intangible: a belief in their ability to create, to experiment, and to try again if something doesn’t work the first time.
So, if you’re a teacher looking for an educational program that breaks the mold, bring your students to Create Makerspace. We’ll provide the tools, the expertise, and the inspiration. Your students will provide the magic.
Email info@createmakerspace.com for more information.
A lively group of teens from Ecole Les Aiglons after finishing their custom Santa Parade floats
