Cathy Lechmaier was the student life coordinator of South Campus for 39 years. When she retired in 2016, the same year as the makerspace project, Student Goverment felt it fitting to name the makerspace, a place of learning and exploration, after someone who devoted their life to helping students expand their horizons through MATC.
STEAM education is important even at early ages. By providing items that can be explored by our Early Childhood Education students, transfer students who are beginning their first two years at MATC, children in our daycare centers, and members of the public, STEAM education can begin as early as 18 months of age. Explore our offerings below; some items are available for circulation.
Coding Critters are screen-free coding, using puzzles to direct a small robot in the shape of an animal on its path. Ages 4+
Tale-Bot is a m
ultilingual microrobot. It can recognize 256 different commands and programming can be done simply with the buttons on the bot or using interactive coding maps. Add-on activity boxes extend the challenges for children. Ages 3+
Marble Run is a building set that employs engineering and physics principles. Instructions are included to build numerous models, but children are encouraged to create their own working marble run. Ages 3+
These magnetic tiles can be used both to create buildings and learn about structural integrity, as well as facilitate active learning of physics and motion. 8+
This caterpillar shaped robot can be easily manipulated by tiny hands. The dials on the back of the caterpillar are turned to code the bot. Children can use critical thinking to maneuver the robot around obstacles and create music and sounds. 3+