Thursday, June 12, 2025

Follow

Contact Support Us

An Update on Philadelphia School Makerspaces Funded by Crowdfunding

October 20, 2014 Category: FundingUncategorized

Last May, Generocity.org interviewed two Philadelphia-based teachers about how they were using crowdfunding to create makerspaces for students in their schools. Here’s an update on how both teachers have gone on to create successful maker spaces:

Klint Kanopka at the Academy at Palumbo High School

photo 1 (1)Klint Kanopka, a physics teacher at the magnet school Academy at Palumbo, received a grant to start a robotics team at his school. The makerspace is now the headquarters of their team, the Palumbots.

The space has also gained 10 computers for 3D design, Arduino programming and research from the Samsung Solve For Tomorrow contest. Kanopka noted that he also won a Shapeoko 2 CNC mill.

“[It] has been really frustrating to get working, but is going to be huge for the robotics team, because it will allow us to custom mill aluminum parts for our robots,” he said in an email.

They’ve also been using tools creatively to keep the space functioning and maintained in light of all the budget cuts and shortfalls affecting the school, according to Kanopka. For example a counselor at the school was in a serious accident, so he used the tools from the space to turn one of the doors in her office into a dutch door.

“I also taught a student how to use an angle grinder so he could cut old locks off of lockers. A few students and I modified a locking cage to secure a room on the 5th floor for computer storage and use. Another girl used the drill press to build flag holders for our graduation last year,” he added.

Kanopka said that his classes have been large this year — noting that one class had 42 students– but that he’s still excited to get them into the space.

“I’m excited to start getting more classes into the space and using what’s in there as well as train other teachers on the proper use of the tools and space once there’s furniture,” he said.

Kanopka added that he’s going to be putting together another DonorsChoose project to get some work tables and stools for the space, because right now it’s full of tools but lacking furniture.

From our Partners

Michael Franklin at Chester A. Arthur Elementary School

Michael Franklin said that his workshop, dubbed the “Wildcat Workshop,” is coming along well.

“We have received the bulk of our materials ordered through Donors Choose and, between an event with NextFab, the Donors Choose project, and additional donations, we managed to raise nearly $8000,” he said in an email.

The K-5 students at Chester A. Arthur visit the workshop as a class for hands-on projects geared toward the science curriculum for each grade. Also, the school’s 6-8 graders are finishing up making cars made from household materials that are powered by a fan.

“They are aiming to make the most efficient car (cost of materials per foot of distance traveled),” said Franklin.

He added that the students have been using their sketchbooks, professional grade drafting tools, and Prismacolor markers to lay out their designs on vellum.

“There is still plenty of work to do to get the space where we want it, but it has been very exciting and the vast majority of students are really gravitating to the classes,”  Franklin said.

Images c/o Klint Kanopka and Michael Franklin

Trending News

Gun Violence Stats Are Dropping; Fear Among Youth Remains High Youthcast Media Group
Philadelphia Speaks: Community Insights on Key Administration Focus Areas Dionicia Roberson
Combating Food Insecurity in Philadelphia: A Multi-Pronged Effort Part 3 (Food Education and Government Responsibility) Laura Duarte Bateman
Parents Step Up As Advocates For Underfunded Schools Kathleen Riley
ImpactPHL Convenes 450 at Total Impact Summit ‘25 ImpactPHL Perspectives

Related Posts

September 15, 2021

Research suggests teachers and school staff play a central role in COVID-19 outbreaks on campus

Read More >
June 10, 2021

Student voice needs to be at forefront of CRT decision-making

Read More >
April 21, 2021

Darnella Frazier's video was key to Chauvin conviction. Young people are key to achieving justice

Read More >