Iqaluit, NU – One of the best things about the Iqaluit Makerspace and Skills Hub is having educators who are excited to share the skills and hobbies they love. Declan, one of Ampere’s STEAM Educators, has been part of the team for more than two years. This spring, he turned one of his own passions into a brand-new after-school filmmaker club, the foundation of one of this year’s summer camps.
Declan has a background in stop-motion animation, a filmmaking technique that creates movement by combining hundreds or even thousands of individual photographs into a single video. It’s something he enjoys in his spare time, and now he’s sharing that passion with young filmmakers through the program, which launched in May 2026.
To help kick things off, participants also had the chance to learn from local videographer and photographer Akshay Achuth, who joined the first two sessions to share practical tips and insights from his own experience behind the camera.
Since the program began, students have explored every stage of the filmmaking process. They’ve learned about storyboarding, lighting, sound, camera work and what it takes to turn an idea into a finished film. For Declan, the most rewarding part has been watching learners work as a team and get creative in the process.
When asked what he enjoys most about teaching STEAM, Declan explained that he loves being able to teach subjects he’s genuinely passionate about – “At Ampere, you’re encouraged to share the things that inspire you,” he said. “That excitement carries over to the students.”
That enthusiasm has been a big part of the program’s success, and the success of the subsequent film camp. When educators care deeply about what they’re teaching, it creates an environment where curiosity and creativity can really thrive.
Declan is excited to continue to build on what worked well during the school-year program and the camp, while continuing to introduce new opportunities for participants. In future programs he plans to focus on creating more hands-on experiences, encouraging greater collaboration between campers, and allowing more time for students to bring their own creative ideas to life.
At Ampere, educators like Declan make all the difference. By sharing their passions and encouraging young people to explore their own creativity, they’re helping build confidence, teach valuable new skills and inspire the next generation of creators. Who knows? Some of today’s young filmmakers may even become tomorrow’s STEAM educators.