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7th & 8th Graders Tackle Need-Responsive 3D Printing!


The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things about our daily lives. These shifts provide an authentic opportunity for makers to design and develop items to respond to new, emergent needs and challenges. 

In their first project of the year, 7th & 8th graders are identifying needs and challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and selecting a problem that can be addressed through 3D printing and design. The first photo above shows two iterations of a mask-holding bracelet, which is designed to allow a user to hang onto their mask while keeping their hands free. The photo below shows several, student-created versions of an item called "earsavers," which wrap around the back of one's head and hold the loops of an earmask, alleviating some of the discomfort that can come from wearing a mask all day.


Finally, one highly motivated 7th grade student took independent initiative on this need-responsive printing project to create and print a new feeder for her chicken, Kiwi. After collecting precise measurements and developing a paper prototype, she designed this feeder to solve the problem of needing to hand feed her chicken. As you can see in the photo, Kiwi took to the feeder right away!








 

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