A collaborative work area to encourage making, exploring, learning and sharing that uses high-tech or no-tech schools is set to open at an elementary building in the Northern Lehigh School District.

In partnership with the district, Lehigh Carbon Community College’s SHINE program will dedicate the new Makerspace at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Slatington Elementary School. The community is invited to attend.

During the school day, the district uses the space with its own STEAM curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on learning.

In the afternoon and evenings, Schools and Homes in Education uses it for project-based STEM activities as part of the after-school program.

Students will 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.

These Makerspace tools encourage students to envision, design and build new and exciting creations while boosting their self-confidence, teamwork and critical thinking skills.

In Makerspaces, students take hands-on learning to the next level through innovation and creating something new, often the first step toward entrepreneurship and business startups.

LCCC also has Makerspaces at the LCCC Tamaqua site in the Morgan Center and on the main campus in Science Hall.

For more information on SHINE or the Makerspaces, contact Rachel Strucko, Director of SHINE, at 570-225-7245 or rkmiller@lccc.edu.