A new, inclusive sensory room/maker space — wholly designed and created by students — recently opened at Seneca Valley Senior High School.

Life-skills students had their first chance to see the new interactive learning classroom for the first time Tuesday.

The idea began two years ago. Steve Fortunato, a senior high school teacher of applied engineering and technology, pitched an idea to the special education department about opening a hands-on learning class for life-skills students.

They piloted the class last year, but this year Fortunato opened up the space to Seneca Valley Architecture, Construction and Engineering Externship (SV ACE) students for a complete renovation.

Through the research of SV ACE students and donations from the Seneca Valley Foundation and Fun Fore All, the room is a fully functional sensory room/maker space equipped with kinesthetic learning projects, sensory boards, aromatherapy, alternative lighting and alternative seating.