All Over Albany

Kids Makerspace

Project: A makerspace for kids, where children can come and work on open-ended, creative projects that help develop their skills in design, building, and technology

Who: Kathy Ceceri

Short bio
My name is Kathy Ceceri, and I am hoping to expand my activities teaching enrichment classes that use arts and crafts skills to teach science and history into a full-time business. I got my start creating hands-on educational projects as a homeschooling mom (and I'm now the Homeschooling Expert -- yes, that is actually my title -- at About.com). I've also written extensively about parenting, education, and the arts for publications throughout the Capital District and beyond, and I'm the author of several books of educational projects for families. In addition, I am currently on the board of the Tech Valley Center of Gravity, and in 2013 I helped to organize the Emma Willard Mini Maker Faire, where I displayed my low-tech robotics projects to hundreds of visitors.

A description of the proposed project
My plan is to create a makerspace for kids, where children can come and work on open-ended, creative projects that help develop their skills in design, building, and technology. Why? Schools today are focused on preparing students for high-stakes tests, primarily in English and math. That, along with a heightened fear of what once were normal childhood activities, means that kids rarely get the chance to learn and explore with real-world materials. I have given workshops in communities around the state, and it is always a delight to see how kids respond when they are given the chance to make things themselves. And because my projects use inexpensive, easy-to-find materials like cardboard and duct tape, they are accessible to anyone and adaptable to the typical elementary school classroom or library meeting room. My space would offer programs afterschool, on weekends, and during school breaks. It would also be available for homeschoolers, youth groups, and birthday parties. I believe my business would benefit the community by introducing kids and families to new ways of learning -- and hopefully inspire classroom teachers to try to incorporate more unstructured approaches to education as well.

A Solar Wobblebot workshop last summer in Berne.

Cardboard Robot Hands at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity in Troy

Motorized ArtBots in Ravena.

Video of a Gravity Powered Robot Walker at miSci (formerly the Schenectady Museum):


How would the grant money help?
I could make use of the $1,500 startup grant in many ways. I need space in which to develop new projects and hold classes. I am hoping to get my business started in the Tech Valley Center of Gravity's new space in the Quackenbush Building in downtown Troy. For a relatively small fee I could rent a personal workspace and have access to a child-friendly work area which I am involved in helping them design. Being located at TVCOG would also make it possible to introduce kids to some of the high tech equipment available there, including 3D printers and laser cutters. However, I would need to furnish my personal space with a work table/desk, storage area, and personal tools. I also need to build up an inventory of parts like small motors, batteries, solar panels, crafts materials, etc. And to expand my business beyond the libraries and museums I already visit, I need to work on branding (my business name, Crafts for Learning, does not accurately reflect my current emphasis on science and technology); upgrade my website; create print marketing materials; join science education organizations and attend conferences; and buy ads in local media to reach schools, organizations, and families.

Thank you for the opportunity to describe my plans and see how they are received by the community and business leaders in the area.