Gurnee School District 56

After launching makerspaces in three of our schools in 2017, we wanted to give our students a venue to showcase what they create. We hosted our first Maker Faire, a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. The Maker Faire was the brainchild of our STEM Coordinator who had attended other Maker Faires and felt that Gurnee District 56 was ready to host its own. About 30 of our staff volunteered their time to help make this event a success. Students, teachers, local makers, and community organizations were invited to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. Most exhibits were designed and staffed by adults to promote outside organizations, to share personal hobbies, or to showcase class projects. However, some of our students created projects just for the Maker Faire, such as recycled R/C car bodies, and the design for a mobile app that helps students with anxiety and depression. We ended up with 44 exhibits which included students from grades 2-8, three children’s museums, make and take crafts, and a variety of other booths.