I am the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) teacher at Kinnaman Elementary with a little over 600 students attending. I meet every one of them for 45 minutes each week. In the course of investigating these topics, students continually need to define, evaluate, and respond to problems they encounter along the way. Once you have encountered a problem, designed a solution, and then brought it into reality, you gain a feeling that anything is possible. Wood shop in high school is where some people might have first felt this feeling. I want to bring this feeling to the elementary grades. 3D modeling has a low barrier to entry (I’ve taught 3rd graders how), limitless potential for advancement of skills, continues to be taught at most middle and high schools in Beaverton, and is a high paying technical career.

I am asking for a little over $2,000 to build a bank of 3D printers which can be used to rapidly fabricate student work. 3D printing can be time consuming (most prints take at least an hour) but each additional printer cuts turnaround time substantially. This amount would cover the cost of five 3D printers and a year’s worth of filament. Each printer (Creality Ender 3) retails for $229.99 on Amazon, and each roll of filament (1kg, 15-30 prints worth) retails between $20-$30 on Amazon.

To make this project sustainable, as well as to make a more authentic task for students, I intend to host a fundraiser (potentially multiple fundraisers) showcasing and selling student work during school events (conferences, carnivals, fun runs, etc.). I had success last year running an afterschool program called "Entrepreneur Club" which drew over 60 5th graders who were interested in creating their own business and merchandise. Students had two weeks to design logos and packaging, and create their product. Students exhibited their work during Fall Conferences, and after reimbursing materials costs students raised over $500 for the Kinnaman PTO and the 5th grade team. The community is excited about the prospect of STEAM specials in their school and is ready and willing to support Kinnaman students to keep the program running.