If you find yourself on the second floor of the Wright Education Building, you might come across Room 2260—otherwise known as the Make, Innovate, Learn Lab or MILL, a multi-use makerspace where educators and students can explore the world of making.

The MILL features a variety of tools—a 3-D scanner and printers, laser cutter, sewing machines, vinyl cutter, CNC router and soldering irons, just to name a few—all with the goal of bringing creativity and making into the classroom.

Karyn Taylor is an elementary education major with a concentration in mathematics. When she began learning about all the different technologies and machines that the MILL has to offer, she instantly fell in love with the space and began spending the majority of her free time in there, learning and gaining experience on the different machines.

“The MILL has so many different projects that people can work on! I love designing lessons that incorporate various technologies that can be utilized in the MILL,” she said. “For example, I designed a lesson that had wooden cutouts of animals that can be used to show students the various habitats that animals can live in. I have also designed a United States puzzle. The options are truly endless!”

As Taylor points out, makerspaces are becoming more and more prevalent in secondary and elementary schools, making the MILL a great resource that students have available to them.

“The MILL is completely free. The supplies you need will be provided for you. You are able to come in and make projects at no cost. There is also no experience necessary. I am able to teach students how to use the machines and technology that the MILL has. There are laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, a Cricut, embroidery machines, and even a press and vinyl for t-shirts,” Taylor said.

While the MILL currently has limited hours, students interested in learning more about making can sign up to work in the MILL using this online form.