Fifteen family members took do-it-yourself to the next level during the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab’s recent Let’s Build: Cat Condo workshop. Armed with a prototype template plus supplies and tools at the ready, families were tasked with building the cat condo of their dreams. Families met over three consecutive Sundays to design, assemble and decorate their new digs using machines available in the Fab Lab. Cat Depot kicked off the workshop with goodie bags and two special kitten visitors that helped demonstrate the type of cat condo features participants should consider while designing their condos. The final workshop session was capped off with surprise awards including “Most Claw-ver Design”, “Condo with the Most Cat-titude” and “Most Purr-severance”, presented by Cat Depot Executive Director Jackie Ott-Jaakola.

“This was such an awesome project!” shared the Sandburg family. “This was the most fun we’ve ever had together,” added father-son duo, Ivan and Kamen.

 The success of the workshop was largely due to the help of volunteer extraordinaire, Max Fischer. An Out-of-Door Academy freshman, Max was first introduced to the Fab Lab as a summer camp participant. He quickly signed up to be a volunteer after graduating from 8th grade and has been eager to help in any way possible since. From assisting with the rebranding of our Science Lending Library kits to teaching elementary students how to make an Archimedes screw during STEM Saturdays, Max has developed a varied skill set which he's always willing to share. If you're ever in the lab, you'll recognize him as the one jumping in to lend a helping hand.

The next “Let’s Build” workshop will challenge participants to build their own lawn games like cornhole, washer toss and even a life size set of dice. The workshop runs Fridays from 5-7:30pm on January 10, 17 and 24, just in time for Superbowl festivities. To learn more, visit https://suncoastscience.org/classes-workshops.

FabLab is always looking for student volunteers looking to explore new ideas and crafting environments for other students to learn, create and make. High school students looking to build new skills and make a difference while earning community service hours can apply for opportunities to fit a variety of schedules in a judgement-free zone. Now accepting volunteer applications for spring and summer opportunities. Go online to complete the form and plan to attend an upcoming information session: January 30, 3-5pm; February 1, 1-3pm; February 27, 3-5pm; and, February 29, 1-3pm.

Apply here.