Abstract
Making the Abstract Concrete: The Makerspace as a Hub for Hands-On Learning
The Creighton University Libraries Makerspace serves as a dynamic hub for innovative teaching and high-impact learning, directly addressing the need for instructional approaches that engage students in a meaningful way. Our staff provide a collaborative environment where faculty and students can move beyond theoretical concepts and engage in hands-on activities that bridge academic study with real-world application. By offering access to cutting-edge technology such as 3D printers and laser cutters, alongside traditional tools and a wide range of materials, we enable learners to transform abstract ideas into tangible projects. We believe this process of creation fosters a deeper, more personal connection to the subject matter, leading to enhanced comprehension and retention.
Central to our mission is the instruction of key "maker literacies." We teach students the principles of safety not just in tool use, but in responsible and ethical creation. We foster innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box. And we instill the value of iterative design, teaching users to embrace prototyping, testing, and refining their work as a fundamental part of the learning process. Moving learning into three dimensions makes it active, creative, and memorable.
This poster will highlight our collaboration with Ehren Whigham on a project for BIO 205. We 3D-printed anatomically accurate turtle shells from high-resolution CT scans of river cooters (Pseudemys concinna). Students used these models experimentally determine 1) shell strength using a soda can crusher and 2) hydrodynamic efficiency by measuring drop time through a water column. This project allowed them to test scientific predictions, analyze real-world biological trade-offs, and draw conclusions from their own collected data. Additionally, we will highlight several other successful academic partnerships and showcase a selection of completed projects. These examples demonstrate how the Makerspace supports diverse disciplines, from prototyping medical devices to creating laboratory models and supporting student entrepreneurship.
The Makerspace is more than a workshop; it is a pedagogical partner that extends the classroom. By integrating making into the curriculum, we help students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience, and other skills essential for future careers. This work proves that making things is not just an activity, is a powerful tool for transformative learning.