On Saturday, March 19, 2016 JMU hosted the Expanding Your Horizons outreach event. Middle school girls and their parents attended to learn more about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and 3D printing. The girls sat through a PowerPoint presentation all about 3D printing. In the PowerPoint the girls were able to see the different types of printers we use, such as the Afinia and Makerbot. They also got to see pictures of our 3Space classroom and the tools we need in order to make a 3D print:
They also got to see pictures from the popular 3D printing site Thingiverse where they learned they could find awesome designs ready to download and 3D print. The presentation also included how to make a Quarter Trap:
Using TinkerCad, Dr. Field showed the steps to make the 3D model and later on showed how to insert the quarter in the mold before it finished printing.
Dr. Field also discussed the issues with printing and support. She showed a few examples of objects, such as the menger sponge, that require special printing techniques to avoid unnecessary support being printed. The girls also learned that 3D printers are used to print a variety of things like proteins, prosthetics, clothes, food, bionic ears, and space equipment.
After the presentation, the girls were able to learn how to use the beginner friendly program TinkerCad. They went through the lessons on the site and after they finished were able to start working on a design of their own. The girls were all given a JMU cube to bring home in order to remember their experience in EYH.
Both the parents and the girls seemed to really enjoy this experience and getting to see how versatile the 3D printers were. Overall this was a great program allowing girls to engage their interest in STEM that will help them in their upcoming high school careers.
-Nicole Braun
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