Design, Build, Learn: A Look Inside Jac-Cen-Del Elementary’s Makerspace
At Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School in Osgood, Indiana, hands-on learning is coming to life in powerful ways thanks to a thoughtfully designed makerspace and the leadership of Maker Manager Megan Wessel. This dynamic learning environment is transforming how students engage with content by placing creativity, experimentation, and collaboration at the center of the learning experience.
From Passive Learning to Active Creation
Since the makerspace was introduced, students at Jac-Cen-Del have shifted from passive observation to active creation. Instead of simply watching or memorizing, students are building, testing, revising, and problem-solving in real time.
“Our makerspace has significantly transformed the way students learn by shifting the focus from passive observation to active creation,” Megan shares. “Students are now more engaged in hands-on projects where they can experiment, problem-solve, and iterate on their ideas in real time.”
This approach encourages collaboration as students work together to design and build projects, share tools and resources, and learn from one another’s ideas. The makerspace has become a place where teamwork and communication are just as important as the final product.
A Safe Space to Take Risks and Think Critically
One of the most powerful aspects of the Jac-Cen-Del makerspace is the culture it fosters. Students are encouraged to take risks, test ideas, and learn from mistakes in a supportive environment.
“Additionally, the makerspace promotes creativity and critical thinking by allowing students to take risks and learn from failure in a safe, supportive environment,” Megan explains. “Concepts from science, technology, engineering, art, and math come alive as students apply them in tangible ways, making abstract ideas more understandable.”
By engaging with STEAM concepts through hands-on experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of both the process and the content. Curiosity, independence, and confidence grow as students learn that problem-solving is not about getting the right answer the first time, but about learning through doing.
Projects That Inspire and Challenge
The projects happening in the Jac-Cen-Del makerspace are intentionally designed to spark creativity and critical thinking. According to Megan, some of the most impactful experiences come from design challenges, engineering tasks, and open-ended maker activities.
“The most inspiring projects are design challenges, STEM engineering tasks, and open-ended maker challenges,” she says. “Design challenges, like building bridges from limited materials, push students to experiment and refine ideas. STEM projects, such as programming robots or creating circuits, develop problem-solving and technical skills. Open-ended maker challenges let students tackle real-world problems, encouraging creativity and multiple solutions.”
These experiences allow students to see themselves as designers, engineers, and problem-solvers while building skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Advice for Building a Successful Makerspace
For schools just beginning their makerspace journey, Megan emphasizes the importance of starting small and staying flexible.
“Start small and focus on flexibility—choose versatile tools and materials that can support a variety of projects,” she advises. “Encourage a culture of experimentation where failure is seen as part of learning. Involve students in planning and decision-making to increase ownership and engagement. Prioritize collaboration by designing spaces that allow teamwork and sharing of ideas. Finally, integrate the makerspace with your curriculum so that hands-on learning reinforces classroom concepts, making it both fun and meaningful.”
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Learning
The makerspace at Jac-Cen-Del Elementary is more than a room filled with tools. It is a learning hub where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and students are empowered to take ownership of their learning. Through thoughtful design and passionate leadership, this makerspace is helping students build the skills, confidence, and mindset they need for the future.
At 1st Maker Space, we are proud to support schools like Jac-Cen-Del Elementary that are proving the power of hands-on learning every day.
