Design and Making STEAM Club: Where Technology Meets Creativity

This year many new groups have debuted onto AISG’s list of community service groups. The new Design and Making STEAM Club is one of them. Intiated by Ms. Kresak, this club allows technology to meet creativity in the new makers’ space set up by Ms. Navis in the library. The new group was made for a very particular reason. As you may have noticed, there have been many new resources acquired by the tech department at AISG. However, the tech team noticed that many of these resources, such as 3D printing, have been more commonly used in middle school community service clubs compared to high school groups, and are more popular amongst boys than girls. “As a female working [in the] technology department,” Ms. Kresak wished to interest more girls in technology. The club involves the design and production of clothes, bags, and other accessories, things that many female students are interested in and knowledgeable about. The group has purchased sewing machines, fabric, and jewelry making pieces, as these are things that may appeal to some girls “rather than fighting bots” or remote-controlled toys. Ms. Navis and Ms. Kresak wanted to offer “a way for students to be creative,” and wanted “to start something new with all the new technology [the tech department] has been purchasing.” They hope to see anyone and everyone that is interested every Tuesday after school in the Library’s makers’ space.

Ms. Kresak and Ms. Navis talked to many students interested in the club before their first meeting last week. Ms. Kresak said that students seemed “really excited to have something different.” There are many athletic opportunities at AISG, and plenty of service groups, but not as many after school activities focused on student interests and careers. This group, however, is a “new outlet for the students that might not be as interested in sports or not interested in doing sports all year long.” Chantal Germain is a sophomore who is curious about the club due to the endless possibilities it offers. After the first meeting last Tuesday, she “really [looks] forward to the freedom of making things with the broad range of supplies [the group has].” Nelly Lopez, a junior, agrees with Chantel as she gets the sense that “the group has a free atmosphere to just do whatever you find important to you.” Many students like Antonette Liao “enjoy sewing and [crafting] during [their] free time,” so when they heard about a club that combines many aspects of design, “[they] wanted to join.” The teachers hope to interest both girls and boys to join as the group, which not only offers many design and crafting aspects, but also implements programs like Raspberry Pi and Makey Makey, as well as other programming software.

Inspired by an IB Art teacher at a Shenzhen school, Ms. Kresak first decided to initiate this club around February and March this year. As of now, the group has a few ideas for collaborative work, amongst members and possibly with the Business Club, as well as individual work. After the first meeting, some students began individual projects by coming into the makers’ space during their free time. The group plans to have a spring expo and a possible fashion show to display the work they’re most proud of. During this time, people may have the chance to donate or purchase things from the club. The makers’ space is the ultimate place for any student at AISG interested in any form of design or programming. Offering its creative atmosphere and freedom to create anything, the Design and Making STEAM club invites you to join them next Tuesday at 3:15 in the new makers’ space in the library.