Seeing a student succeed in the classroom is enough to bring joy to any educator. Seeing students take what they’ve learned and use it to create a new program for their school is something truly special — which is exactly what Indian Hills eighth graders Bryce Campbell and William Bangerter accomplished last year.
It all started with last year with the introduction of makerspaces to Indian Hills. Campbell and Bangerter wanted to get more students exposed to this type of hands-on learning, so they decided to sponsor a schoolwide “Makers Got Talent” competition. “We needed to hype everyone up about it,” Campbell said.
The challenge, a game show where 14 teams compete over four-weeks to build a structure using wooden KEVA planks, was so popular, there are plans to continue it next year. “Last year we did a cool KEVA build, so that kind of inspired me to take it to the next level,” said Bangerter.
Bangerter and Campbell designed the competition, decided on the four levels of elimination-style rounds, and pitched it to Indian Hills’ teacher librarian, Trina McGowan.
McGowan who then took it to Principal Shelly Karren who agreed to purchase more tables and KEVA kits for the students.
The competition took four weeks, the first round was a “nailed it” challenge where Bangerter and Campbell designed a build, and the competitors had to copy their design. The second round was to build a marble run. Round No. 3 incorporated LEGOs, and the final round was a free build with just two competing teams. Each round had a rubric, created by the students and used by judges to decide who would advance to the next round.
“In the beginning I hoped they would learn leadership skills, but they’re learning so much more,” says McGowan. “They’re learning not only technical skills in the builds themselves, but communication skills, editing skills, and filming skills, all from this one activity.”
This year’s top two teams were “The Pablo Picasso’s” and “Legomen.” Winners walked away with their own KEVA kits and custom trophies built from KEVA pieces.
While Campbell and Bangerter will leave for high school next year, they’ve left their mark on Indian Hills. McGowan says she has already had students volunteer to host Makers Got Talent next year.
“This is why I get out of bed every day,” says McGowan, “that kids who are incredibly talented just had an idea to facilitate something and manage it themselves. I’m so proud of them.”
