Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Sept/Oct 2017 | Page 10

3D Design and Innovation summer camp introduces students to in-demand careers
A dozen UCPS students recently participated in the 3D Design
and Innovation STEM camp, one of 14 summer programs offered
by the school district’s Career Readiness department.
During the weeklong camp, students designed models using
various software applications that included AutoCAD, Inventor,
TinkerCAD, and Fusion360. They were then able to see their
models come to life through 3D printing.
“As facilitator of this STEM workshop, it is great to see
students get involved with hands-on projects, learn the latest
technologies and explore career options while having fun,” said
camp instructor and Sun Valley High teacher Eddie Mull. “The
students probably do not realize that the same software and
technology that makes these cool little projects is the same stuff
that makes prototypes, automotive and aerospace parts, and
other manufactured components.”
3D printing and design is growing at a staggering pace today.
The printers are being used in many design disciplines -- including
product design, medical device design, interior and architectural
visualization -- as well as fashion and entertainment design. And,
according to Forbes, the number of job ads requiring workers with
3D printing skills increased 1,834 percent in four years and 103
percent when comparing August 2014 to August 2013.
After a brief lesson on 3D laser scanning, the students
made small 3D models of themselves which could be used for
personalized PEZ dispensers or action figures. Some students also
made personalized cell phone cases with raised or engraved text
while other students made custom fidget spinners.
“Over the past few
days, I have learned a
lot about 3D printing
and programs I can use
that are fast and easy,”
said CATA student Max
Thomas. “This is one of
the best summer camps
I have been to in the last
few years and I have
loved it. It’s amazing
to see my creations on
the computer come to
life and hold them in my
hand. I can’t wait to try
this at my house.”
During the camp,
the students also
enjoyed exploring the
concepts of Virtual
After a brief lesson on 3D laser
scanning, the students made small 3D
Design and Construction
models of themselves which could be
using Autodesk Revit
used for personalized PEZ dispensers
Architecture software.
or action figures. Some students also
“This camp was an
made personalized cell phone cases
amazing way to learn
with raised or engraved text while
how to 3D innovate. I
other students made custom fidget
spinners.
learned a lot of things I
didn’t know and I may
look into a career involving these activities,” said Porter Ridge
Middle student Clint Scaldara. “This was the best camp I have
ever been to. I made new friends and learned tons of information.
I enjoyed this experience and will recommend it to others that I
know.”
—This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools
Communications Office.
During the 3D Design and Innovation summer camp, students
designed models using various software and were able to see their
models come to life through 3-D printing.
8 • Sept/Oct 2017 • Parent Teacher Magazine