We would like to get two 3D printers for our school because of a recent school-wide project that was a game-changer.

My name is Jennifer Mann. I am the Library and Instructional Teacher (LITT) at Meadow Park Middle School. Our students come from many different academic and social backgrounds. Of our 870 students, there are 33 different languages spoken, 43% students receiving Free or Reduced Lunch, 13% identified as "mobile students", and 34% who are English Language Learners. 

This past fall, with the help of the BSD FutureBus, we were able to borrow ten 3D printers for a short time. It was amazing. We had ten MYP Design and Science teachers participating in the 3D printing extravaganza. Each teacher led one or more of their classes through a design cycle that was inspired by Stanford's Design School. By the end, over 300 students participated!

Each teacher created their own twist to the project. In one of the teacher's classes, students interviewed teacher clients to find out a real-world need, like an iPad stand or a computer mouse holder. In another couple of classrooms, students used the engineering design process to make the fastest Derby Car bodies they could. In yet another class, students mocked up 3D clay versions of their potential garden glove hook solutions before starting their CAD designs. 

Although the projects were customized and unique, each of these experiences had a similar process that involved design thinking.  Students worked in small groups to empathize, brainstorm, design a solution on a computer in TinkerCAD, and then print a prototype with a 3D printer. After presenting and testing their first prototype with their client, students were able to find out how their design could be improved. This was when the magic happened! In most cases, the first iteration was not a success and it was through the process of reiteration that students were able to reflect deeply and improve their designs. This perseverance was perhaps the most inspiring and surprising aspect of the projects. The students clearly felt ownership and cared about solving these problems.

We would like to keep this momentum going. Having printers in our school would allow us to engage in these real-world design experiences throughout the year. Our students have had exposure to these processes and technologies, and now they need the opportunity to continue. This project has been one of the most engaging and exciting experiences we have ever seen.  We believe this deep engagement is a key component to achieving the academic outcomes our students deserve.

We anticipate being able to engage over 500 students each year with this project.

budget:

$2600 would go towards two MakerBotMini+ Printers (each costs $1300)