Marian Catholic Takes Part in Makerfest Promotes Summer STEM camp

Becky Bosco, Director of STEM Programming at Marian Catholic High School didn't know what to expect at Chicago Southland Makerfest. The fest, which is a myriad of exhibitors from Build a Blinkie, where kids learned to solder, Rebel Legion Nar Shaddaa Base/R2 Builders which was a popular booth for selfies with an R2 unit to building projects from SpaceLab in Mokena.

"I brought the 3D printer pens as a hands-on participation aspect to my booth" Bosco said. "In having used the pens in after-school programs, I have found that children and adults are always excited to use them and I am always amazed by the variety of items that they create. It gave me a nice opportunity to talk with people while they or their child was creating."

This was the 5th annual Chicago Southland Makerfest held at the Local 597 Pipefitters Training Center.in Mokena. According to co-organizer Sarah Margalus, over 500 people attended the event on Saturday, March 30th. There was no admission fee for kids zero to 18 to attend.

"I had all ages of children visiting my booth to use the pen, from 1st grade to high schoolers (and numerous parents as well!) "Bosco said. " This aspect of the pens is one of the features of this technology that I really like; it is able to be utilized for a variety of ages for a variety of uses. Some used the templates for 3D glasses or the bicycle, while other free form drew hearts, peace signs, super hero shield or their names."

It is this technology that Bosco will be bringing to STEAM summer camp for youth at Marian Catholic. Registration is going on now for grades first through eighth.

"Marian's STEM program has been a focus of the principal, Steve Tortorello, who realizes, that as STEM -related careers grow, so does the responsibility to introduce and train students in the STEM-related disciplines – coding, engineering, computer-assisted design (CAD), and robotics" explains Bosco.

"Highly qualified and enthusiastic teachers facilitate three levels of Engineering classes, Computer Science classes (including two AP level), and a variety of STEM Science elective classes. The old computer lab, no longer needed, has been transformed into a STEM lab, used by numerous classes and programs, as well as Marian's highly competitive Robotics Club. My job, as Director of STEM Programming, is to even further enhance student experiences through STEM Career Speaker Events, STEM related field trips, and providing specific opportunities for students to attend events, conferences, tailored to their interests. Marian Catholic administrators, teachers and staff understand what students need to be successful, not only as they head to college, but in life and as people, and are dedicated to and enthusiastically provide for these needs."

STEAM camp dates and information are as follows:

Spartan Academy STEAM Camps:

Week 1 (6/10-6/14): Food Science, Chemistry and Engineering

Week 2 (6/17-6/21): Sports Science and Engineering

Week 3 (6/24-6/28): Forensic Science

Off Week of (7/1-7/5)

Week 4 (7/8-7/12): Space Science and Engineering

Week 5 (7/15-7/19): Environmental Science and Engineering

Week 6 (7/22-7/26): The Internet of Things (IoT)

Detailed descriptions of weekly topics found at:

Registration website:

spartanacademy.campmanagement.com