The Germantown Academy Abramson Lower School’s Tinkerlab, a makerspace designed for age-appropriate exploration and creativity, has a brand-new tool - the Chomp Saw. This is a kid-safe cutting tool made specifically for classroom and makerspace use, allowing students to precisely cut cardboard without the risks of a traditional saw. Serving as a bridge between scissors and power tools, the Chomp Saw gives students real-world fabrication experience while keeping safety and collaboration at the forefront.

To help faculty get acquainted with the new tool, PreK-12 STEAM Coordinator and Lower School Art Department Chair Jess Grisafi led a hands-on lunch ’n learn session for Lower School faculty.

“The session was filled with play and experimentation as teachers tested different materials, swapped accessories, and discovered the versatility of the Chomp Saw through hands-on practice,” Grisafi said.

More than just a new piece of equipment, the Chomp Saw—and every tool in the Tinker Lab—represents an opportunity for students to think like builders, designers, and inventors.

“I”m thrilled for teachers to integrate the Chomp Saw into design challenges, engineering builds, and project-based learning where students need to prototype or construct 3D forms,” Grisafi said. “The excitement was contagious at our lunch ’n learn! Everyone left inspired to bring more making, tinkering, and creative problem-solving into their classroom.” 

Kindergarten faculty are already putting the Chomp Saw to use. Lower School Associate Teacher Keely Jennings shared that “Kindergarten students practiced power tool safety and explored the different cuts they could make on the new Chomp Saw during their Tinker Lab time.” 

With every new addition, the Tinker Lab continues to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence, helping Germantown Academy’s youngest learners see themselves as true makers and idea generators.