Girls in grades K-7 explore STEAM at annual Maker Girl Mania event

There was a little bit of everything to try as girls in grades Kindergarten through seventh filled Clarkston High School for the annual Maker Girl Mania event, April 12.

The annual Maker Girl Mania event at Clarkston High School is a popular activity for girls in Kindergarten through seventh grade. The event, which took place on April 12, provides a unique opportunity for girls to engage in various STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activities throughout the day.

The girls had the chance to participate in activities such as making a duct tape coin purse, programming a robot, and more. Some of the other activities included pixel art, Perler bead drink covers, hand crocheted bracelets, puzzle making, and making a printing press.

Organizer Laura Kalinowski and Lori Banaszak have been running the event since it started over ten years ago. They shared that what helps to make it a great event is the community support with many organizations and groups participating including Clarkston Independence District Library, Society of Women Engineers, Maker Works, Oakland Community College, LullCo, Foundry in a Box, and Clarkston Community Schools robotic teams - Team RUSH 27, Beastie Bots, Clarkston Robowolves and Technados.

"Some of these groups and organizations are here every year," said Banaszak.

"LullCo is so cool," added Kalinowski. "They are showing the girls how to use the tools - a practical skill. I love it builds confidence. It allows them to try things they haven't experienced before in a safe environment."

Maker Girl Mania is a positive and supportive event that encourages girls to pursue their interests in STEM. The event provides a valuable opportunity for girls to learn new skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of creation.

To stay updated on the event and for the date in 2026, follow Maker Girl Mania on Facebook.

The annual Maker Girl Mania event at Clarkston High School is a popular activity for girls in Kindergarten through seventh grade. The event, which took place on April 12, provides a unique opportunity for girls to engage in various STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activities throughout the day.

The girls had the chance to participate in activities such as making a duct tape coin purse, programming a robot, and more. Some of the other activities included pixel art, Perler bead drink covers, hand crocheted bracelets, puzzle making, and making a printing press.

Organizer Laura Kalinowski and Lori Banaszak have been running the event since it started over ten years ago. They shared that what helps to make it a great event is the community support with many organizations and groups participating including Clarkston Independence District Library, Society of Women Engineers, Maker Works, Oakland Community College, LullCo, Foundry in a Box, and Clarkston Community Schools robotic teams - Team RUSH 27, Beastie Bots, Clarkston Robowolves and Technados.

"Some of these groups and organizations are here every year," said Banaszak.

"LullCo is so cool," added Kalinowski. "They are showing the girls how to use the tools - a practical skill. I love it builds confidence. It allows them to try things they haven't experienced before in a safe environment."

Maker Girl Mania is a positive and supportive event that encourages girls to pursue their interests in STEM. The event provides a valuable opportunity for girls to learn new skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of creation.

To stay updated on the event and for the date in 2026, follow Maker Girl Mania on Facebook.

output: The annual Maker Girl Mania event at Clarkston High School is a popular activity for girls in Kindergarten through seventh grade. The event, which took place on April 12, provides a unique opportunity for girls to engage in various STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activities throughout the day.

The girls had the chance to participate in activities such as making a duct tape coin purse, programming a robot, and more. Some of the other activities included pixel art, Perler bead drink covers, hand crocheted bracelets, puzzle making, and making a printing press.

Organizer Laura Kalinowski and Lori Banaszak have been running the event since it started over ten years ago. They shared that what helps to make it a great event is the community support with many organizations and groups participating including Clarkston Independence District Library, Society of Women Engineers, Maker Works, Oakland Community College, LullCo, Foundry in a Box, and Clarkston Community Schools robotic teams - Team RUSH 27, Beastie Bots, Clarkston Robowolves and Technados.

"Some of these groups and organizations are here every year," said Banaszak.

"LullCo is so cool," added Kalinowski. "They are showing the girls how to use the tools - a practical skill. I love it builds confidence. It allows them to try things they haven't experienced before in a safe environment."

Maker Girl Mania is a positive and supportive event that encourages girls to pursue their interests in