Modern Making
Overview
Modern Making introduces students to the principles of making and design thinking through fabricating or producing a finished product.
Schedule an Appointment with Career Education
The Career Education Transitions Coordinator and Career Education Counselor are available to assist with:
- questions
- program exploration
- college applications
- educational planning
- Dean Paul Estabrook
- Faculty Project Manager Thomas Cappalletti
- Phone (916) 558-2312
- Email capalet@scc.losrios.edu
Modern Making (MAKR) Courses
MAKR 140 Introduction to Making
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This highly immersive, hands-on introductory survey course introduces students to the principles of making and design thinking through fabricating or producing a finished product. Students learn to design and build physical things or spaces, make them work, and integrate them with electronics, software, or mediums of innovation. Students will gain knowledge of common fabrication techniques and skill using the associated tools, such as: 3D printing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, laser cutting, woodworking and metalworking, large printer and cutter usage, electronics, microcontroller programming, textile making, weaving looms, food and beverage making and processing, and more. Students will use this knowledge and skill in both individual and team settings, and participate in a capstone project. Supplies are provided for all assigned projects. Students who have taken this course as MAKR 299 are not eligible to enroll in this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- gain knowledge of common fabrication techniques and skill in using them.
- identify and describe all materials that can be manipulated with the makerspace equipment.
- produce and present a simple modern making project in a team-based environment.
- understand and demonstrate safety procedures at the Makerspace.
- proficiently use the ethics and culture in a Makerspace environment.
- demonstrate and articulate the steps to design, make, and test a completed prototype.
MAKR 143 Electronics: Repair and Reuse
- Units:2
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This hands-on course will introduce the real-world skills of repairing and reusing common household electronic equipment. The repair component will focus on troubleshooting and problem solving skills in the context of fixing common household electronics. The reuse component will focus on performing failure analysis, salvaging what remains when you can't fix it, and creatively repurposing it.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- diagnose problems with electronic equipment.
- generate a project plan.
- identify and reuse common electronic parts such as: motors, buttons, and LEDs.
- apply the problem solving process in various contexts.
MAKR 144 Introduction to Extended Reality (XR/AR/MR/VR)
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This highly immersive, hands-on introductory survey course introduces students to the principles of using and creating Extended Reality (XR). Extended Reality is an umbrella term referring to all real-and-virtual combined environments and interactions generated by computer technology. It includes Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Extended Reality applications include virtual tours, immersive learning experiences, collaboration, and games. Students will gain experience with common XR viewing devices. Students will experience and create XR photographs, XR videos, 3D XR models, or XR games.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of common Extended Reality viewing devices, including Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and Virtual Reality platforms.
- understand, use, and create Extended Reality photographs and videos.
- produce and present a simple Extended Reality project, using either Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, or Virtual Reality, in a team-based environment.
- create a simple 3D digital model.
- create a simple Extended Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, or Virtual Reality application.
- demonstrate and articulate the steps to design, make, and test a completed prototype.
MAKR 145 Digital Making: Open-Source Software For Creatives
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This highly immersive, hands-on introductory survey course introduces students to the principles of creating digital content using free open-source software. Students will gain experience with common tools such as 3D modeling, 2D drawing, and animation, audio editing, 2D and 3D video game creation, video editing, CAD modeling. Using widely adopted open-source software allows students to explore possible careers without taking on an initial financial burden.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- show knowledge of common open-source software for creating digital content.
- understand, use, and create 2D digital graphics using open-source software.
- understand and create a 3D digital model using open-source software.
- produce and present a simple digital project in a team-based environment.
- create 3D CAD models using open-source software.
- edit audio files using open-source software.
- create a simple digital game application.
- demonstrate and articulate the steps to design, make, and test a completed digital prototype.
MAKR 151 Makerspace Lab I
- Units:0.5 - 1
- Hours:27 - 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This lab course provides access to workshops in the methodologies and practices of making in a contemporary Makerspace / fabrication laboratory environment. Via hands-on trainings, workshops, and instruction, students will gain experience using a variety of equipment used in the Makerspace to design and build projects using materials and equipment such as wood, plastics, metals, textiles, organic matter, 3D printing, milling, electronics, large format printing, sewing machines, looms, and food and beverage processors. Supplies are provided for all training projects for this course but not for larger scale commercial projects. Students have access to all equipment after completing the required safety training and any relevant workshops. Students who have taken this course as MAKR 299 are not eligible to enroll in this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand and demonstrate safety procedures at the Makerspace.
- gain knowledge of common fabrication techniques and skill in using them.
- demonstrate and articulate the steps to design, make, and test a completed prototype.
MAKR 152 Makerspace Lab II
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MAKR 151 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This lab course provides access to intermediate-level workshops in the methodologies and practices of making in a contemporary Makerspace / fabrication laboratory environment. Via hands-on trainings, workshops, and instruction, students will gain experience using a variety of equipment used in the Makerspace to design and build projects using materials and equipment such as wood, plastics, metals, textiles, organic matter, 3D printing, milling, electronics, large format printing, sewing machines, looms, and food and beverage processors. Supplies are provided for all training projects for this course but not for larger scale commercial projects. Students have intermediate-level access to all equipment after completing the required safety training and any relevant workshops.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand and demonstrate additional safety procedures at the Makerspace.
- gain additional knowledge of common fabrication techniques and skill in using them.
- demonstrate an understanding of additional aspects of prototyping and machine operations.
MAKR 153 Makerspace Lab III
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MAKR 152 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This lab course provides access to advanced-level workshops in the methodologies and practices of making in a contemporary Makerspace / fabrication laboratory environment. Via hands-on trainings, workshops, and instruction, students will gain experience using a variety of equipment used in the Makerspace to design and build projects using materials and equipment such as wood, plastics, metals, textiles, organic matter, 3D printing, milling, electronics, large format printing, sewing machines, looms, and food and beverage processors. Supplies are provided for all training projects for this course but not for larger scale commercial projects. Students have advanced-level access to all equipment after completing the required safety training and any relevant workshops.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand and demonstrate additional safety procedures at the Makerspace.
- gain knowledge of advanced fabrication techniques and skill in using them.
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of all aspects of prototyping and machine operations.
MAKR 155 Wood Maker
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
Learn to safely make usable prototypes from different types of wood materials with traditional woodworking tools and methods. Supplies are provided for all training projects for this course but not for larger scale commercial projects. Students have access to all equipment after completing the required safety training and any relevant workshops. Students who have taken this course as MAKR 299 are not eligible to enroll in this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify, select, maintain, and safely operate hand and power tools, and several woodworking machines.
- be able to safely use a table saw, belt sander, drill press, band saw, bench grinder.
- describe the steps in the woodworking process.
- demonstrate the ability to construct a basic wood object from a paper drawing and digital rendering.
MAKR 156 Print Maker
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
Apply graphic design principles and commercial production standards for digital printing using large format and specialty printing devices using industry equipment. Projects include the creation of banners, stickers, T-shirts, posters, decals, static cling, laser cutting and engraving, and vehicle wraps and associated technologies. Supplies are provided for required projects for this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- take 2D designs in raster or vector file types and print on a large format printer.
- create banners include mounting preparation such as grommets.
- create die cut stickers.
- use hot transfer equipment to make t-shirts and other fabric-based items.
- engrave designs on various materials using laser cutters.
MAKR 200 Introduction to App Development
- Units:3
- Hours:45 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of app development and programming. Topics include design thinking, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging. This course was formerly known as CISM 201: Introduction to App Development.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the purpose of computer programming languages.
- explain and use programming language elements including syntax, data types, conditional statements, control structures, procedures, arrays, classes, and objects.
- create programs based on specifications.
- use Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for the editing, building, debugging, and testing of programs.
- apply proper documentation and formatting of source code.
- integrate design thinking principles into app design.
MAKR 202 App Development with Swift
- Units:3
- Hours:45 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:CISM 201, CISM 201, MAKR 200, and MAKR 201 with grades of "C" or better; or equivalent (e.g. CISP 301).
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course delves deeper into app development and programming and introduces the fundamental concepts of structured and object-oriented programming. Topics include user interface design, control flow, variable scope, and using arrays to display data. Students who have taken this course as MAKR 299 are not eligible to enroll in this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze problems and design algorithms using pseudocode, flowcharts, and/or structured charts.
- demonstrate a basic understanding of object-oriented programming by using structs and classes in software projects.
- use object-oriented programming techniques to develop programs that include elements such as inheritance and polymorphism.
- document and format code in a consistent manner.
- apply single- and multi-dimensional arrays in software.
- use a symbolic debugger to find and fix runtime and logical errors in software.
- integrate fundamentals of design for user interface.
MAKR 203 Advanced App Development with Swift
- Units:3
- Hours:45 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:CISM 202 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course focuses on Advanced App Development. Topics include complex user input, animations, interfacing with the web, and the design cycle. Students will apply techniques for testing and debugging software.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and explain a programming development life-cycle, including planning, analysis, design, development, and maintenance.
- analyze problems and design algorithms using pseudocode, flowcharts, and/or structured charts.
- integrate design thinking principles into app design.
- apply advanced techniques to enhance user experience through persistence, web interface, and animations.
MAKR 295 Independent Studies in Modern Making
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among college, faculty members, and students. Independent Studies in Making offers students a chance to do research and/or experimentation that is more typical of advanced studies in digital fabrication and making.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate facility with the materials, tools, and techniques specific to the proposed makerspace project.
- demonstrate an understanding of the process by which specific ideas are developed into finalized makerspace projects.
- demonstrate the ability to produce and present projects in a professional, industry-standard manner.
MAKR 299 Experimental Offering in Modern Making
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
MAKR 499 Experimental Offering in Modern Making
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.