Building the Future Together: iSTEM Geauga Early College High School and Auburn Career Center Partner to Provide Hands-on Learning

In 2015, Auburn Career Center in Concord Township, Ohio partnered with iSTEM Geauga Early College High School to create a Fab Lab, designed to broaden the effectiveness of the iSTEM and Career Center programs through experiential learning.  

“Students thrive in a hands-on environment like the Fab Lab.  When students see the real-world application of what they learn, they can retain that learning for a lifetime,” said Dee Stark, assistant principal, teaching and learning for the Center.

The Fab Lab features a full complement of Roland equipment, including two BN-20 printer/cutters, a VersaCAMM 54-inch wide format color printer, an LEF-20 desktop UV flatbed printer, and two MDX-540 benchtop milling machines. 

“Having the Roland equipment greatly expands the scope of the projects we can teach.”

Students at iSTEM Geauga are using the FabLab equipment in Design Team Challenges and Project Based Learning as well as for student engagement. Dr. Trista S. Linden-Warren, CEO/Superintendent of the school, said. “Each day iSTEM students ask, ‘Do we get to use the FabLab today?!?’  There is an eagerness to learn.”

Laura Ciszewski, the Center’s Information Support & Services Teacher, noted that the Fab Lab equipment lets her students get creative. “My students use the equipment to produce physical, finished products that look and feel professional.”

Projects to date include colorful game boards, cell phone cases, and key chains produced on the LEF UV printer.  Students have also used the BN-20 and wide-format digital printer to develop wayfinding and marketing signage, along with vibrant banners, decals and even colorful signs for a parade float.

The MDX benchtop mills have been used to produce foosball player pieces, soda bottles and other cylindrical shapes, as well as wooden designs.  Students who created chessboards on the LEF UV printer will soon be using the MDX to mill the chess pieces. 

“Having the Roland equipment greatly expands the scope of the projects we can teach,” said Ciszewski.