Back to the Basics – Making Change
There are few things more rewarding in life than teaching, mentoring, and being silly with kids! Our ChangeMakers know how much value there is in passing on your knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes to the next generation.
MakerGirl starts educating girls at just 7 years old - it is amazing what creative solutions a 7-year-old comes up with if you just give them the tools they need and the chance to succeed. From designing a charm on a bracelet, to learning how to make their favorite animal using only basic shapes, discovering how to create a simple design actually teaches life skills that are so much bigger than a 3D print!
Think about the last time you used your own ability to take a theoretical idea and turn it into something tangible. Most of us adults use this every single day in our professions. As high school and college students, you do this every time you write a research paper, propose a business idea, or learn a new equation.
In this way, we are all creators. We take something that exists only in our minds and we bring it to life and give it a tactical purpose. This takes both analytical reasoning, and unbridled creativity!
Sometimes it is frustrating when you can’t seem to find a clear path forward, but if you think outside the box there is always a way. And once you get there the reward is even greater!
In a MakerGirl session, you get to show young students how to create in the most literal sense. They will brainstorm an object that they would like to bring into the world, draw it, analyze it, and then start designing using Tinkercad. They have to look at the object from every angle. Students learn to orient themselves, make adjustments, add and subtract features, and find unique ways to create that specific shape they envision. 3D designing is a little bit like life! Sometimes it is frustrating when you can’t seem to find a clear path forward, but if you think outside the box there is always a way. And once you get there the reward is even greater!
As a ChangeMaker, you are the vital teacher and mentor to help these young students discover that not only can they make things - they can be a MakerGirl! We know how important it is to keep the fun and silliness as part of the learning process. If you are enthusiastic, kind, creative, and excited by the rewards of working with kids, we want you on our team!
MakerGirl is looking for ChangeMakers. If you're a high school or college student looking for a rewarding volunteer experience, we encourage you to apply!
Written by Madeline Brown
MakerGirl is working to bridge the gender gap in STEM through providing educational sessions to girls across the country led by high school and university ChangeMakers. Since its founding in 2014, MakerGirl has educated more than 6,000 girls in 28 states with half from underrepresented and rural communities. They have created a movement of makers with three different models: University Academies, #MakerGirlGoesMobile, and online curriculum. MakerGirl is on a mission to educate 10,000 students and establish 10 MakerGirl Academies by 2023. Follow the organization on social media @_MakerGirl.