What Makes a Maker: Meet Tim Miguez of St. Michael School’s Robotics Team
Meet Tim Miguez of St. Michael School’s Robotics Team. Tim heads up a team of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who work together to solve real world problems while learning about robotics.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started making things.
We are a preK-8 school in Crowley,LA. We added a robotics component to our junior high science curriculum about three years ago and formed our competition robotics team soon after. We compete in First Lego League competition and the Robotics Challenge at the WW2 Museum.
What does the term “Maker” mean to you?
Our students feel like “making” is when they use their ingenuity to solve problems.
Who or what inspires you?
The engineers at SpaceX. Their unique perspective on old problems is inspiring.
Is making your hobby or your business? How does it relate, if at all, to your day job?
It’s an educational pursuit.
Why is making important to you?
Making is a great way for my students to solve real world problems.
What have you made that you are most proud of?
My students compete in FIRST LEGO League competition which requires them to solve a real-world engineering problem and to build and program a robot.
What would you make if you had unlimited resources?
Since I am a teacher, we would have an on-campus makerspace that would allow our students to explore the concepts of making in-depth.
What up-and-coming maker trends excite you the most?
In education, I like the promise of VR technology.
What advice can you give someone who wants to get involved in the Maker movement?
Get involved. Let the kids take the lead. Kids will amaze you with their capabilities.
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
My kids know I am a huge science and technology geek, but I would love to learn how to paint landscapes.
