Imagine if you could take an idea and make it come to life right before your eyes. In essence, this is what a 3D printer can do for children in the education setting and thanks to Chris Scanlon and Apollo Products, Inc the students of St. Mary School will get their chance to do just that. Through their generous donation the school has added a 3D printer to its Science Lab for this year’s learning.
“Having a 3D printer in the classroom allows students to venture into the unknown with confidence. We are thrilled to receive the printer and we can’t wait to see what our students can produce with their imaginations,” said Amber Yeager, Junior High Science teacher.
The Junior High students have already begun experimenting with the printer with the help of Mrs. Yeager. “My goal is to expose our students to technology that is currently being used in manufacturing and other industries to better prepare our students for the jobs of the future. It will be used for class projects, the Science Fair, and prototypes for Invention Convention.”
Many in the education field claim that 3D printers offer a revelation in STEM education for all students. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. Students can create an entirely original object with a modeling program, download a modifiable template or scan something from the real world with a camera. 3D scanner apps can even be downloaded to a smartphone for use.
St. Mary students already have a rich tradition of science and technology learning in their school and have been recognized by the state as a Thomas Edison STEM Award winner. This donation will allow the school to continue a long tradition of STEM learning throughout the years to come.
About St. Mary School: St. Mary’s School Chardon is a Catholic School for grades preschool through 8 where students are encouraged to develop academically in an environment of faith, with a vision for the future. For information: http://www.stmaryschoolchardon.org or Contact: mintihar@stmaryschoolchardon.org or Phone: 440-286-3590
Pictured in Photo: 8th grade students, Daniel Duffy, Anthony Virgo, David Berman, and Colin Gillespie show off what they have just made with the school’s new 3D printer.
