Thanks to one forward thinking, out-of-the-box teacher at Oak Grove Elementary, the school is receiving a free 3D printer.
Technology teacher Lori Walters was one of 1,224 teachers chosen to receive the printer, which will come with Polar Cloud software and lesson plans so her students can learn more about 3D design and its uses in various industries. A total of 3,487 teachers from 48 countries submitted applications to receive one of the free printers and software packages.
The award is made possible by funding from GE Additive. The company has made a $10 million commitment over five years to provide educational institutions access to 3D printers and develop future talent in additive manufacturing.
As part of the application process, Walters had to create a 3D design and join an online design community. She also included 3D objects that her students designed such turkeys, snowmen, and keychains, a couple of them even designed a new gymnasium for the school. In addition to the application, she was required to take a quiz about her experience with 3D design as well as explain how she planned to use it in her classroom.
While Walters is excited that her students will be able to delve deeper into 3D printing with the new printer and software program, no one is more proud than Oak Grove Elementary School Principal Felecia Spicer.
“I am so very proud of Lori Walters for always thinking outside the box and doing great things for our students,” says Spicer.
