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From Screen to Shop: CNC Tool Tote Homeschool MakerClass
This middle school homeschool MakerClass at Area 59 introduces students in grade 6 and up to digital fabrication through a practical build. Over six weeks, participants plan, construct, and customize a wooden tool tote while developing core skills used in contemporary fabrication and manufacturing. They begin with precise measuring, layout, and safe assembly of wooden parts. Then they create a personal graphic on a computer and have it engraved with a CNC router, linking on-screen design to results in the shop. Each participant finishes with a sturdy, shop-worthy tote featuring their own CNC-engraved artwork. The class is suited to learners ready to move past basic maker projects and work with authentic fabrication tools and processes in a supportive, hands-on setting. Instruction covers safe use of basic shop tools, accurate assembly, simple computer graphics, and how CNC machines convert digital files into physical pieces, guiding students through a complete project from start to finish. The fee is $160, and materials are provided. Basic computer skills are needed.
Area 59Take Back the Night
This family-friendly awareness event acknowledges the seriousness of sexual assault while creating an uplifting atmosphere. It focuses on resilience and a message of hope for a brighter future and a stronger community. The agenda features a short awareness walk around the Gillette College campus, a free dinner catered by Pizza Carrello, and inspirational speakers Dr. Janel Oberlander and Tammy McArthur, LPC, CRC, HHC.
Gillette College Technical Education CenterCreative Aging: Acrylic Painting
A Creative Aging session focused on acrylic painting is designed for adults 55 and older. Coordinated by Campbell County Public Library and supported by a Wyoming Arts grant, the class takes place at AVA Community Art Center.
AVA Community Art CenterBridgeLab: Engineering for Homeschoolers
This six week homeschool program invites students in grades 4 to 6 to explore the science of bridge building through hands-on engineering. Participants design, construct, test, and refine model bridges using craft sticks, basic hand tools, and structured challenges while investigating how compression, tension, load paths, and overall efficiency affect a structure’s strength. Each session builds on the last as students compare beam and truss styles, make predictions using sound engineering reasoning, and practice precise, intentional construction. Controlled load tests help reveal what works and what fails, encouraging analysis and thoughtful redesign. The experience emphasizes critical thinking, data collection, collaboration, and iterative problem solving, reflecting the mindset used by professional engineers. The series concludes with a final load test challenge where students present their strongest and most efficient bridges. No prior experience is needed, and all materials are provided.
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