The Makerspace
A Makerspace is a community center where tools are provided to design, engineer, fabricate and learn. All skill levels are welcome and it offers a safe do it yourself environment where failure is just another step in the learning process. Learning may be self-directed or instructor led, and Exploration Commons will provide the staff and guest instructors to assist with all learning styles.
Who may use the Makerspace
The Makerspace is for ages 8 – Adult. Children ages 8 – 11 may work with an equipment certified adult in the use of some machines in the space, but may not operate themselves. Children ages 12 – 15 may operate machinery with the assistance of an equipment certified adult. Persons aged 16 and older may operate any of the available equipment. An Exploration Commons/Library card is required to use makerspace equipment and all users must be certified to use select equipment.
Programs held in the Makerspace will be led by an instructor and may also have age restrictions depending on the equipment used or content of the program. An Exploration Commons/Library card is not required to attend programs.
Will there be a cost to use the Makerspace?
The use of the space is free. However, there will be a cost for some materials if required (filament, wood, acrylic, etc). There will also be programs where we need to charge to recoup expenses.
Hours and Staffing
The entire space will be open and staffed Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 8 PM, Friday - Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM. In addition to CCPL staff, we will be working with outside presenters from various industries, professors from Carroll Community College and McDaniel College, Carroll County Public Schools faculty, and local interns and volunteers. Our community has much to offer and we will require their expertise and support to make Exploration Commons a success.
Upcoming Classes and Programs
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 8 - 15
Registration and more information
This program is for KIDS ONLY, ages 8 - 15. Attendees will be able to choose one item from a litany of customizable gifts. Staff will help them design their project to customize a holiday gift for a family member or friend. We will have volunteers available to help participants wrap their gifts so the surprise isn't spoiled when parents come to pick them up. Each registration is for one child and one item.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 8 - 15
Registration and more information
This program is for KIDS ONLY, ages 8 - 15. Attendees will be able to choose one item from a litany of customizable gifts. Staff will help them design their project to customize a holiday gift for a family member or friend. We will have volunteers available to help participants wrap their gifts so the surprise isn't spoiled when parents come to pick them up. Each registration is for one child and one item.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 4, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have you ever wondered how basic video games are created? In this hands-on class, we'll use Microsoft MakeCode, a block-based coding program, to build a retro video game you can share with friends and family.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for using Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 10 - 16
Registration and more information
Learn the necessary basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This is a beginner-level class; you will leave feeling confident about the next steps to take toward sewing your projects.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
'Tis the season of making! And what better way to celebrate than hopping into an introductory 3D printing and design class where you will model your very own 3D printed present box!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple, personalized wood ornament on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for the laser, and then you'll watch your ornament being made. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 8, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to various maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own electronic dice circuit.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 11, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to 3D model using Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) software, and begin leveraging powerful design techniques to model and 3D print a holiday ornament!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll create a simple laser cutter project designed to utilize our laser's rotary attachment. Then, watch your project being made on our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with laser cutting or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create and cut out a wood puzzle ball on Exploration Commons' Iconic CNC router. Previous basic computer experience is required. No experience with the CNC router or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Microcontrollers are everywhere and are often the unseen heroes of our modern world. Microcontrollers can be programmed to fulfill various simple tasks, from coffee makers to elevators and even the television remote control. The Arduino platform makes working with microcontrollers easy, fun and offers a way to get started in electronics. Join us for a workshop to explore various beginner Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available in the makerspace.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 16, 2023 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Exploration Commons customers have made some amazing things in 2023! Stop by any time between 10 AM and 1 PM to help us celebrate another year of learning and making! Interact with some of the customers who have created projects and learned new software in our makerspace; see their projects, chat about their experiences in Exploration Commons, and even do some holiday shopping. Several customers participating will have finished projects available for purchase.
We will have an hourly door prize drawing for attendees featuring unique items made in our space.
Purchase some stocking stuffers from our teaching kitchen while you're here, like chocolate-dipped pretzels. Donate at our Spice Drive during your visit (donate spices for our local food banks and shelters).
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We're taking a fun winter twist on everyone's favorite edge-lit signs class! Choose from a selection of holiday-themed cut-out designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flare to your room, desk, or workspace. In this program, you’ll laser engrave festive-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
3D scanning is a digital design process that enables the creation of detailed and accurate models of real-world objects. Join us for an introductory look into this technology used extensively in engineering, architecture, historic preservation, and video game development. We will demonstrate the use of our handheld Artec Leo 3D Scanner and highlight some recent projects that have been created with it.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 21, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for using Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 22, 2023 - 10:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. In the morning session, we will focus on project design and the VCarve software. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12-1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.
At the instructor’s discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified for using Exploration Commons’ CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Digital design using tools such as Fusion 360 is a fundamental skill that unlocks the full potential of maker technologies such as 3D printing and many others that depend on a digital file to define the shape and size of a real-world object to be made. This introductory seminar will explore the Fusion 360 design software, examine resources for continued learning, and get hands-on experience. Fusion 360 is professional-level software, and participants should be proficient in using a Windows PC.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will discuss precision techniques to improve your laser project outcomes. Topics will include centering-point alignment, printed registration marks, using jigs or templates, and the importance of maintaining a settings notebook. Exploration Commons Laser certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 28, 2023 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
See what's behind the silver screen in this introductory course to Adobe's high-end video editing software, Premiere Pro! We will cover everything from basic editing tips and tricks to some of the cool tucked-away features in the program. So, if you have ever wanted to start getting into video editing, this is the class for you!