A new makerspace opened its doors recently and is quickly gaining momentum. Just one month since its inception, It Begins in Brockport (IBiB) has already equipped its space in the Hart Gallery 27 art studio (https://www.hartgallery27.com/) with a variety of tools including 3D printers, an electronics workbench, a laser cutter, and a CNC mill. The makerspace recently received a donation that will expand its offerings to STEM education outreach and creative play.
TeacherGeek (www.teachergeek.com), a local company dedicated to inspiring and empowering the innovators of tomorrow, donated one of its award-winning Maker Carts to IBiB. The Maker Cart comes complete with over 15,000 components such as gears, rods, frames, motors switches, screws and more. These materials can be used to engage students in over 40 engineering activities, making it an invaluable asset for hands-on learning and creative play.
On June 10, IBiB introduced the Maker Cart to Brockport at the Low Bridge High Water festival. Maker Cart components were used to engage young festival goers in constructing their own boats. While the instructions guided them through making the mast and assembling the motor, participants needed to exercise their creativity when constructing the hull. Recycled materials such as pool noodles, bottles, and plastic trays were recommended, and the pool noodles turned out to be a popular choice among the budding engineers.
To make the event even more memorable, a group of enthusiastic teenagers volunteered to help out. Equipped with kayaks, they retrieved any boats that ventured a little too far from the canal’s edge. While some boats encountered minor setbacks, they were quickly repaired, proving the resilience and ingenuity of the young participants.
IBiB’s inaugural makerspace outreach was a resounding success, leaving both the visitors and organizers thrilled with the experience. The event not only showcased the creative potential of the community but also emphasized IBiB’s commitment to providing a space for individuals to explore their creativity through making.
Erica Linden, Village Manager, envisioned the “Create On the Canals” program as an enhancement to the way the village encourages people to experience the canal, traditionally through biking or kayaking. “IBiB was a natural choice to include in the programming, as we are certain having a makerspace on the canal will only add to our community’s placemaking initiatives,” says Linden. “The TeacherGeek donation to IBiB and the overall support this successful business is providing to our new not-for-profit, IBiB, is beyond exciting, it is foundational.”
The makerspace is grateful to TeacherGeek for their generous donation, which will fuel future engagement and innovation at IBiB. Moving forward, IBiB plans to organize more activities using the Maker Cart and continue making a positive impact on the Brockport community.
IBiB invites community members and visitors to consider getting involved. The makerspace’s website, available at https://ibib.us/, provides information about memberships, upcoming events, and ways to support outreach efforts. Interested parties can reach out directly by emailing info@ibib.us.
With the success and enthusiasm surrounding IBiB, this innovative space is poised for continued growth and success in the months and years ahead.
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