District News

Seizing a grant opportunity from the Bedwell Home School Association, Bedwell’s Technology & Design teacher Allen Thurlow applied for, and was awarded, an upgraded 3D printer. The Bambu A1 3D printer boasts many new advancements when it comes to enhanced technology over the past few years. 

“I worked closely with SHSD parent Mike Donohue, whose expertise in this area was valuable in terms of not only the printer selection, but for troubleshooting tips relating to some of our more complex endeavors,” said Thurlow.  “He is full of 3D surprises and is always sharing not only his knowledge but new project prints with the school!”

Thurlow went on to share that one of the first projects for the Bambu A1 was printing the remaining 10 states to complete a topographical map of the United States of America. The project had spanned a couple of years because the larger states were difficult to navigate due to their dimensions in comparison to the functionality of the old 3D printer. While many at Bedwell are anxiously awaiting a turn to try the topographical map, Patrick Reed’s 4th grade class was the first to complete the puzzle after Harrison and Will wrote a featured article about it in their class news magazine. The 3 ft by 2 ft puzzle will most likely travel to the 3rd grade classes next, as their curriculum involves a unit on geography.

Thurlow shared other 3D projects he printed, including an impossible cone, fidget toys, numerical building blocks, and other interactive pieces he feels are useful for mindfulness and brain breaks. Students regard them as fun rewards and are excited to test out the new 3D kits!  Thurlow is also eager to print a math activity, which he believes will assist students in learning how to multiply!

Currently, 3rd graders are designing medals for a deserving friend, family member, teacher, coach or personal accomplishment, which will be printed on the Bambu A1 printer. They are using Tinkercad, a program where students can tinker with 3-d shapes to mold their creations! The students can’t wait to see their medals come to life!

As Thurlow explained to his students, 3D printing is really expanding into many different professional fields, and there are a lot of practical uses for this technology. “When I observe my students watching the 3D printing process in action, as the X and Y axes lift and slice layer upon layer, it opens up their inquisitive minds to a new world of possibilities,” exclaimed Thurlow. 

In addition to the tangible objects printed, what has also inspired Thurlow is the passion many have for technology itself.  First-grader, Logan McGuire, seeks to connect with Thurlow often, to discuss 3D printing capabilities and to share many of his ideas and creations. Logan used his own money from Boy Scout popcorn fundraisers to purchase himself a 3D printer at home. He loves to investigate designs online and wants to create items for his classmates and to help others. 

The world of 3D printing allows students to collaborate with peers, engage in problem-solving, test solutions, and understand basic principles of engineering. They are encouraged to consider factors and constraints, as well as mesh mathematics and art. The possibilities are endless!