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Hands-on experiential learning is not only engaging, this of creative learning style allows for creative thinking, the development of interpersonal skills, and piques interest to pursue knowledge beyond the walls of the classroom. In this newsletter, join us as we dive into the many ways the team at MVSCH has been able to integrate STEAM learning, both in and out of classrooms.

The MILL: A Pillar of Innovation and Educational Support

“This year has been super busy, and there's more to come,” said Forrest Johnson, coordinator of The MILL, Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub’s makerspace housed on the Linn-Benton Community College Campus in Albany. 

The MILL has been elbow-deep in supporting innovation at LBCC with student groups. The MILL’s fleet of 3D printers has been running day and night printing housings, brackets, and adapters for the NASA Eclipse Team and ROV team. The Mechatronics program has been using the makerspace to fabricate motor hosings and brackets for student projects with the laser cutter. The Technical Writing classes led by LBCC’s Dio Morales have also been a fixture in The MILL, collaborating in groups to write instructions, tip sheets, and technical reports on tools and projects, an essential part of learning technical writing.

Johnson and program assistant, Austyn Moon, are developing flagship programs for The MILL featuring electronics, woodworking, and digital design. Most recently, MILL staff developed electronics programs that teach the basics of circuitry and soldering, by building synthesizers, amplifiers, and adaptive switches for toys and gaming.

MVSCH focuses on the philosophy of ‘playing is learning’ so including hands-on projects that give students experiential learning opportunities with some of the things they love the most, toys and gaming, was a natural fit when diving into makerspace program development. 

While every day working in The MILL is unique, there is one constant, change. 

“We are in the initial stages of becoming a part of the Makers Making Change network,” said Johnson. An organization whose vision aligns with The MILL and MVSCH’s long-term goals and accessibility and inclusive ideals. 

Additionally, The MILL is prioritizing its focus on our mission to serve K-12 educators and classes. “We’d love to see more local K-12 classrooms and education support groups visit the makerspace,” said Johnson. 

June 7th will be the last available day for scheduling a visit until September. The schedule for the remaining weeks of the 23-24 school year is nearly full, so now is a great time to be thinking of scheduling a visit for the fall term of the 2024-25 school year!

Use this form to schedule an event in the MILL. Have questions? Email The MILL at MILL@linnbenton.edu.