3D Printer for Deer Path School

The team at Deer Path School submitted a grant proposal for a 3D printer at the end of 2015.  Here's what Principal Thom Gippert has to say about the addition of new technology at the school:

"Dear Cary 26 Education Foundation:

The 3D printer has been a great addition to our available technology for students.  Various individual classrooms have used the printer to enhance a lesson by printing out pieces that are then incorporated into a hands-on learning opportunity for students. An example being one class was able to print out a 3D version of an ancient colosseum to use in a lesson.  Students in our gifted enrichment program have also used the 3D printer. Students have taken a concept that was introduced by the teacher, researched the concept and made a presentation on the concept, using the 3D to printer to create an artifact for their researched project. 

This past school year, all fourth grade students participated in the Aviation Exploration project using the 3D printer.  Students worked in teams to design an airplane that would be used to send rescue supplies to an island.  After designing their plane, each team was able to print out their plane on the 3D printer and then actually launched the plane to see if their design was appropriate for their mission.  This project was submitted, and accepted, to be a featured exhibit at the state's Tech 2017 showcase in Springfield in May.  A team of four Deer Path students presented their Aviation Exploration project to citizens, politicians, and business leaders at the State Capitol Building.

​In the future, I anticipate more grade level projects, similar to Aviation Exploration.  Our Instructional Technology teachers are working with grade level teams to determine how the 3D printer can be incorporated into the curriculum, mainly through research projects.  The students really enjoy the design aspect of creating something and then being able to print it and actually touch the finished product. 
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Thanks  for all of your support!

Thom Gippert"