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It is a grant funded program through University of Hawaii at Manoa for Middle and HS students, as well as other populations in the community who normally would not have access to that kind of technology. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain real world skills.
Carol
Carol
Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Polish Proverb
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Very cool and very progressive. It was a surprise to see this would be available to junior high kids. There are all kinds of 3D printers depending on end use and some are approaching desk top level costs. Localized 3D printing with functional parts is going to transform multiple industries. This is another example providing just a hint of what is to come:
http://www.stratasys.com/lp/magicarms/
On the flip side, some guys have started experimenting with making functional gun parts.
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
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I'm proud to be a small part of the "STEAM"(science-technology-engineering-art-math)program at Connections. HAAS has a similar program and together they should evolve into a "cloud" where they share resources and machines real time and remotely.
There is a Renaissance of manufacturing happening in our country now, and a real attempt to bring it back onshore from China, etc.
Hawaii is especially ripe for this kind of training because of our dependence on imported goods. Connections kids are getting a head start by their exposure to this cool stuff.
The program was started with a grant, and we are attempting to make it self sustaining by allowing the students(as an entrepreneurs club) to market their original work (something unheard of until now).
We also work with people with disabilities by developing ways for them to access computers. We have quadriplegics designing on 3-D software by using head tracker and voice recognition software. We are negotiating with the East Hawaii Community Development Corp to co-sponsor a "Tech-Space" that would offer training and technology to interested local entrepreneurs, people with disabilities, and wounded warriors from around the region and the country.
BTW, Carol's creative students are the superstars of the program and the future of this endeavor.
