Bringing your class to the Maker Hub is a fantastic way to enhance learning through hands-on experiences and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. Below you will find a list of sample class activities. If any of these pique your interest, or inspire you to think up something new, please send an email to makerhub@georgetown.edu to discuss your class visit further.
Please note that all visitors must abide by the Maker Hub's rules, scheduling a class visit may be restricted due to open hours, and the suggested maximum occupancy of the room is 25.
Example Class Activities
Welcome to the Maker Hub (20 - 60 min)
This activity is perfect for those looking to introduce their students to the resources available in the Maker Hub. Maybe you have an assignment that will require students to think outside the box, or you plan to incorporate a physical element into a final project. This activity is easily tailored to your specific course.
Courses that have run this activity:
- GBUS 491 - CLab: Startup Studio, Dale Murphy
- ARTS 131 - Photo 1: Digital, Bruce McKaig
- WRIT 1150 - Writing and Culture, Sophia Grabiec
Abstract Making Activity (50 - 90 min)
Encourage meaningful dialogue and active participation in your classroom with our abstract-making activity at the Maker Hub. While the focus isn't on producing masterpieces, this exercise serves as a catalyst for open discussions on sensitive topics and can encourage more timid students to engage fully. During this activity, students are given a prompt around which to create some kind of abstract representation. In this low-stakes environment, students are prompted to explore complex ideas, share personal perspectives, and connect with their peers through the use of the Maker Hub’s craft materials.
Courses that have run this activity:
- SOCI 191 - Sociology of Violence, Kathleen Guidroz
- WGST 239 - Medicine, Race, and Gender, Theodorah Danylevich
- ENGL 2702 - Grief and Grievance, Libbie Rifkin
Project Support (50 - 150 min)
The focus of this activity is adaptable to the course content and usually focuses on a previously assigned project. Students are challenged to creatively depict a given topic or make a certain object using a variety of methods, including printmaking, laser cutting, 3D printing, sewing, and more. By encouraging experimentation and exploration of different techniques, students have the opportunity to produce unique works that stand out from traditional formats. This assignment not only develops students' technical skills but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and artistic expression.
Courses that have run this activity along with what project they worked on:
- MHUM 1200 - Insider/Outsider: Anatomy of Identity, Toni-Lee Sangastiano, Insider/Outsider: The Anatomy of Identity Poster Project
- CCTP 623 - Remix Practices, J.R. Osborn, Remixable “emoji” stamps
- BIOL 225 - Conservation in Action, Angela van Doorn, exhibition for a Colobus Monkey Conservation in Africa
Intro to Design Thinking and Prototyping (90 - 150 min)
Engage your students in a dynamic design thinking activity aimed at fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. During the activity, students will immerse themselves in the iterative design process, from empathizing with users to brainstorming innovative solutions and rapidly prototyping their ideas using the Maker Hub’s resources. Through a guided exercise, participants will practice identifying user needs, generating creative ideas, and translating them into tangible prototypes. This interactive session will not only develop students' design thinking skills but also cultivate their ability to turn ideas into action and drive real-world impact.
Courses that have run this activity:
- Genoa Entrepreneurship School, Jeff Reid
- CCTP 5005 - Interdisciplinary Problems and Methods, Jeanine Turner
Faculty Testimonials
Toni-Lee Sangastiano | College - Department of Art & Art History
"The Maker Hub has been a critical resource for my graphic design class. It is a space of wonder and excitement for my students. It expands tool access, material use, and creative possibilities, which are impossible without the Maker Hub."
J.R. Osborn | Graduate - Communication, Culture, and Technology Program
"The Maker Hub allowed Remix Practices to move out of the screen-based digital realm and explore how remixing is increasingly possible with material and physical elements. This broadened the course perspective and helped students understand how online practices can be activated offline in the world and spaces we inhabit."
Michelle Bertke | College - Department of Chemistry
"The Maker Hub is an exceptional resource for Georgetown students. I have visited the Maker Hub for both of my non-majors Science for All classes and have used everything from 3D printing to button making. Providing a space for students to engage with hands-on material is a great way to enhance learning outside of the typical classroom environment. Science topics can be complex and utilizing the technologies at the Maker Hub can make abstract ideas more concrete."