The Northern Lehigh School Board members Monday night viewed some of the technology in the new Makerspace, part of the Lehigh Carbon Community College SHINE program to be offered at Slatington and Peters elementary schools.

Lindsey Miller, assistant director of the SHINE program, was joined by Justin Fritz, a fourth grade math and science teacher and lead teacher of the SHINE program, and Michelle Siesko, lead Peter’s Elementary science teacher, in showing school board members the Makerspace at Slatington Elementary.

“Makerspace is a space where the students can come and explore their creativity,” Miller said. “They get to work with different technologies that they typically don’t get in the daytime hours. There are cameras, there are 3D printers, there are all kinds of different new technologies, emerging technologies that typically the students don’t get to participate in.”

Each school has 25 students in the SHINE program. Students have access to a 3D printer, laser cutter, CNC machines, soldering irons and other equipment that is used in a variety of projects. The equipment is available for all students to use, not just those enrolled in SHINE.

“We get referrals from classroom teachers for students that maybe need more support academically, socially and emotionally,” Fritz said. “And maybe they can benefit from some exposure to the newest technology.”

Members of the Northern Lehigh School Board were shown the various stations featuring demonstrations of some of the technology the students will be able to use. Makerspaces are already being used in several local schools including Lehighton, Panther Valley, and LB Morris School in Jim Thorpe.