Hosting Organization: LEAP Academy University
County: Camden
LEAP Academy University Charter School recently hosted its annual Makers Day, a standout celebration of innovation and creativity held in honor of NJ STEM Month. The event was a resounding success, highlighting the remarkable talents of LEAP students and staff through a variety of hands-on demonstrations and engaging STEM activities.
One of the most impressive features of the day was a student-built planetarium, which drew awe and admiration from attendees. Designed and constructed by students, the planetarium served as both a technical and artistic marvel—streaming captivating space imagery and artistic visuals using a custom-designed projector system.
In addition to the planetarium, guests experienced a wide array of STEM stations and interactive displays, including:
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A race car simulation
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Sphero robots racing through a student-designed cardboard town, created with a CNC machine
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3D printing demonstrations
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AI game design presented by the Rowan University Engineering Department
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Caesar cipher activities facilitated by Rowan’s Computer Science team
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A functioning hovercraft car
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An augmented reality sandbox showcasing topography
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Arduino-powered projects
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Touch-operated immersive gaming experiences coded by students
The success of Makers Day was made possible through the leadership of Fablab Director Mr. Miranda and the dedication of his students. Special recognition also goes to Davis, Robertson, and Council, along with their students, for their vital support in bringing the event to life.
Makers Day at LEAP Academy not only celebrated student achievement but also reinforced the value of collaboration, creativity, and experiential learning in STEM education. The event stood as a testament to what’s possible when students are empowered to explore, create, and innovate—and the school looks forward to continuing this momentum in future STEM-focused initiatives.