“When are we ever going to use this?” That question was answered for Mrs. Kort’s college algebra class this week. Tim Watters, of Mid-West 3D Solutions, gave a presentation on 3D printers to the students.
Mr. Watters explained how a 3D printer works, showed multiple examples of objects that can be printed, and explained its applications in businesses today. One example of its current use is creating prosthetics for children. The cost of traditional appliances makes if difficult for families to afford, purchasing the multiple prosthetics necessary as a child grows. By printing these on a 3D printer, they become affordable.
The college algebra students had the chance to create their own projects. They started by drawing a design on a piece of graph paper. Then they had to write the equations of the lines and use a graphing calculator program get a digital image of their design. They then imported the design into an online drafting program that would create the image that was printed. Students were very excited to see how the printer worked and to see their designs “come to life.”
Thank you to Tim Watters and Mid-West 3D Solutions for loaning us the printer and donating the material for our students to have this great opportunity.
