Tag Archives: Make It Work

Maker Spotlight: Mike Hinkle – A Lifetime of Creativity and Curiosity

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Maker Spotlight: Mike Hinkle – A Lifetime of Creativity and Curiosity

Our community shines because of makers like Mike Hinkle — a mentor and lifelong learner whose creativity and curiosity continue to spark innovation at Monumental Impact.

Mike recently wrapped up an incredibly busy build cycle, preparing robots across three combat robotics weight classes — Beetleweight, Plastic Antweight, and Fairyweight — along with a robot for the RIVAL Robotics League. His workshop has been alive with the hum of tools, the buzz of testing, and the spark of innovation as he balances design, fabrication, and mentorship.

Since August, Mike has been guiding four new combat roboticists through our Combat Robotics Starter Program, helping them bring their custom robot designs to life. Under his mentorship, these students have learned how to design, build, and test their creations — skills they’ll put to the test when they compete at our 5th Annual MITEE Gobble Squabble on Saturday, November 22nd at UCCS.

Mike also mentors our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Team 19541 – the Bionic Sharks, teaching mechanical fundamentals, game strategy, and build planning. He brings a thoughtful balance of experience and encouragement, helping students grow their technical skills while fostering teamwork and creativity.

Beyond the makerspace, Mike extends his love for discovery to the broader community through Maker Moments: Creativity & Curiosity, a hands-on session he leads at Silver Key’s Tri-Lakes Activity Center. Through these sessions, he helps people of all ages reconnect with the joy of making — reminding us that creativity is one of life’s most joyful experiences. It’s something we can discover, rediscover, and celebrate throughout our lives.

Mike’s story as a maker stretches back many years, including his early work with Techno Chaos, where he helped families and students explore technology and creativity together. You can learn more about his journey at techno-chaos.com/about-us/mike-hinkle.

Mike embodies the spirit of Monumental Impact: lifelong learning, mentorship, and the power of creativity to connect people. Whether guiding a student team, mentoring new roboticists, or leading community workshops, he reminds us that making isn’t just about the final product — it’s about the curiosity, collaboration, and confidence we gain along the way.

Final touches! Mike prepares his RIVAL Robotics League bot at the Colorado School of Mines scrimmage.
Testing in progress — Mike evaluates his RIVAL Robotics League bot unloading DOOMSDAY game elements during a scrimmage at the Colorado School of Mines.
Mike and members of the Combat Robotics Club meet to discuss build techniques and robot design strategies in preparation for upcoming competitions.
Mike leads a discussion with members of FTC Team 19541 – the Bionic Sharks – reviewing robot design concepts and game strategy during a build session at Monumental Impact.
Hands-on learning in action! Mike works alongside the Bionic Sharks team as they test drive components and troubleshoot mechanisms.
Having fun talking robots with the Bionic Sharks team.
Mike demonstrates live 3D printing during a Maker Moments: 3D Creations & Curiosity session at Silver Key’s Tri-Lakes Activity Center, inspiring others to explore creativity at any age.
Mike readies his Plastic Antweight bot, “Pain in the Bot,” before a match — a great example of precision design and the excitement of combat robotics.
In the arena — Mike competes with his Plastic Antweight bot at the Golden Tech Tussle, held at the Colorado School of Mines’ Labriola Makerspace & Innovation Space.
A lifetime of creativity and curiosity — Mike stands proudly with his lineup of combat robots, embodying the joy and lifelong learning that drive his work.

Soldering Circuits @ PPLD Sand Creek Library

This class at PPLD provided by community members of Monumental Impact will teach participants how to solder and complete circuits with components and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).  Participants will be able to take home their project.

Participants need to register through PPLD.

We look forward to getting you making circuits!

Participants need to register through PPLD.

Make sure to subscribe to our Community Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.

Soldering Circuits @ PPLD East Library

This class at PPLD provided by community members of Monumental Impact will teach participants how to solder and complete circuits with components and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).  Participants will be able to take home their project.

Participants need to register through PPLD.

We look forward to getting you making circuits!

Participants need to register through PPLD.

Make sure to subscribe to our Community Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.

Blender @ PPLD

This 2-Class Series at PPLD, provided by a community member of Monumental Impact, will gain practical experience with Blender, a 3D design tool.  Blender can be used to create items that can be 3D printed.  PPLD will provide PCs with laptops with access to Blender.  Participants may bring their own laptops with Blender installed.

Participants need to register through PPLD.

We look forward to getting you designing your own creations!

Make sure to subscribe to our Community Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.

Engineering Process vs. Scientific Method @ PPLD

Get ready to blast off into an explosive adventure where science and engineering go head-to-head! In this action-packed class, you’ll launch Alka-Seltzer rockets and create soda geysers with Mentos as we dive into the Scientific Method. Then, shift gears and put your brain to the test with the Engineering Method by designing and building a wild contraption that will carry a marble down a zip line and hit a target! Prizes will be awarded.

Bring a friend or make a new one—this is a team challenge where creativity, curiosity, and a little bit of chaos rule the day. Can you crack the code of both science and engineering? Come find out in this thrilling hands-on workshop!

This class is at PPLD provided by community member, O’Toolin Around, of Monumental Impact

Participants need to register through PPLD.

Make sure to subscribe to our Community Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.

Sketchup for Laser Projects Class Series @ PPLD

This 3-Class Series at PPLD provided by community member, O’Toolin Around, of Monumental Impact will teach participants Sketchup and design a part that can be cut and custom engraved through PPLD’s laser at their makerspace.  PPLD will provide PCs with access to Sketchup to login.  Participants may bring their own laptops

Participants need to register through PPLD.

We look forward to getting you designing your own creations!

Make sure to subscribe to our Community Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.

Fusion 360 for 3D Printing Class Series @ PPLD

This 2-Class Series at PPLD provided by community members of Monumental Impact will teach participants Fusion 360 and design a part that can be printed through PPLD’s 3D printers at their makerspaces.  PPLD will provide PCs with Fusion installed.  Participants may bring their own laptops with Fusion 360.

Participants need to register through PPLD.

We look forward to getting you designing your own creations!

Make sure to subscribe to our Community Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.

Palmer Lake Chautauqua 2025: Home Automation

The Chautauqua Palmer Lake vision is to engage all ages in an interactive arts and educational experience in a spectacular outdoor setting as a modern echo of the original Chautauqua movement of the early 1900s. –Arts Council Palmer Lake

Kent Hutson, MD, our Board Chairman and community member, will be presenting on Home Automation at the Palmer Lake Chautauqua event this year.

Make sure to subscribe to our Community Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.

Make It Work Clinic: Fix-It Help for Your Tech + Tools

🔧 Make It Work Clinic: Fix-It Help for Your Tech + Tools

Got a 3D printer that won’t print? A device that’s on the fritz?
Bring it in — let’s see if we can Make It Work!

Our Make It Work Clinic is your chance to get hands-on support from a team of skilled students, mentors, and community makers ready to help you troubleshoot:

🛠️ 3D printers
🔌 Wiring issues
📱 Tech gadgets + devices
💡 Maker tools + equipment

👥 Open to everyone — whether it’s personal, group, or commercial gear.
💰 No cost to participate — donations are welcome and appreciated!
📍 Hosted at Monumental Impact in our Makerspace

Let’s get your tech back on track — together.

About Monumental Impact
Monumental Impact is a registered 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit serving high school students through adults as a community makerspace.  Monumental Impact is also referred to as MITEE, (Monumental Impact for Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship) connecting youth and community members with career pathways in technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. We provide programs, equipment, mentorship, workspace, and real-world opportunities that empower people to explore, create, and compete.

Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.