From Curiosity to Confidence: How Kennedy Academy’s Makerspace is Transforming Learning in South Bend

Four years ago, Kennedy Academy in South Bend, Indiana, opened the doors to its makerspace — a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that quickly became one of the school’s most beloved spaces. Today, the makerspace is more than just a room filled with tools and materials; it’s a hub of creativity, collaboration, and innovation where students of all ages can explore, build, and problem-solve in ways that spark a lifelong love of learning.

Kennedy Academy 3rd graders explore Science concepts in the makerspace.

A New Way of Thinking

For makerspace manager Cathryn Belt, the impact has been nothing short of inspiring.

“We’re now in our fourth year of having a makerspace in our building, and it’s become one of our students' favorite places to learn and explore. When students visit the STEAM Lab, they’re encouraged to approach problems from different angles, work together, and choose their own paths to test solutions.”

But it’s not just about building projects — it’s about building mindsets.

“One of the biggest challenges has been helping students become comfortable with failure, but over time, they’ve learned that failure is an important part of growth. The projects they tackle in the makerspace provide a safe space to try, fail, and try again (and again... and again).”

Cathryn has noticed this shift extending beyond the makerspace walls.

“Even better, we’re starting to see this mindset carry over into the classroom. More and more, students are focusing on learning and progress, rather than just getting the ‘right’ answer.”

The Joy of the Rubber Band Racer

Among the many projects Kennedy Academy students tackle, one annual tradition stands out: the third-grade rubber band racer competition.

“Each year, our third graders take part in a fun and hands-on rubber band racer competition. As part of their unit on simple machines, students team up to design, build, and test their own racers. They’re in charge of the entire process, from construction to trial runs to making improvements, leading up to race day.”

Race day is a school-wide celebration.

“On race day, each class holds its own competition, and the winners from each class go head-to-head in a final race. The top team gets their photo taken, receives a custom 3D-printed first-place medal, and has their winning racer featured in our front hallway display case for the rest of the school year!”

This project captures what the makerspace is all about: teamwork, creativity, resilience, and the thrill of learning by doing.

Young minds at work.

A Message for Other Schools

For schools considering adding a makerspace, Cathryn has simple advice:

“DO IT! Adding a makerspace to your school is absolutely worth it. It’s a fun, engaging environment where all students, especially those who might not thrive in a traditional classroom, can shine. It gives them the chance to show what they’ve learned in different ways, not just through writing or tests.

Even during free time, students are creating, exploring, and using their imaginations without limits. Yes, it can be messy. Yes, it can get a little chaotic. But watching students light up as they learn through hands-on work and problem solving? That’s easily one of the best parts of my day.”

Students design a marble run.

The Future of Learning at Kennedy Academy

At Kennedy Academy, the makerspace has become a cornerstone of innovation — a place where curiosity is celebrated, challenges are embraced, and every student has the opportunity to succeed in new and meaningful ways. As Cathryn and her students prove every day, when schools invest in spaces that allow kids to dream, design, and discover, the results are nothing short of transformative.