Cork primary schools put new life into old tech at 3D printing competition
Two primary schools in Cork have been named the winners of a national design competition that used 3D printing to respond to sustainability challenges within their schools. The competition is part of a European programme that gives teachers access to the latest information and technology and sparks interest in science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) in the classroom.
Ballinacarriga National School and Drinagh National School, near Dunmanway in West Cork, have been named the winners of Manufacturing a Healthy Future – a 3D printing design challenge. The competition is coordinated by Science Foundation Ireland’s advanced manufacturing research centre I-Form and medtech giant Stryker.
The project, supported by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology – Manufacturing, challenged young pupils to give a ‘second life’ or a ‘life extension’ to something that might otherwise be thrown away, by improving it with 3D printed parts.
Fifth and sixth class students from Ballinacarriga National School designed a solution to extend the life of the chairs in their classroom; while fourth class students from Drinagh National School brought old puzzle games back to life by 3D printing the missing pieces. Both schools were awarded €500 in education supplies for their school. They have also won the opportunity to visit the Stryker manufacturing facility.
More than 67 teachers and 1,300 pupils have participated in the programme over the past three years.
Barry O’Driscoll, teacher at Ballinacarriga NS, said: “Manufacturing a Healthy Future is a great initiative that I would recommend to all teachers. 3D printing allows students to use their imaginations and fosters creativity in a fun way. The programme also inspires children to consider pursuing careers in STEM in the future.”
Melissa Swanton, fourth class teacher at Drinagh, said: “The students were so excited to be named a winner in the Manufacturing a Healthy Future competition. 3D printing incorporates many key skills for students, such as teamwork, design, maths and art. The competition also educates the children around important themes of sustainability. It was very rewarding to see the pupils working together and developing problem-solving skills.”
“As a Science Foundation Ireland research centre, an integral part of our public engagement strategy is to inspire students and showcase the exciting and innovative career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, and this project allows us to do that. As the manufacturing sector evolves, we hope to inspire young people to prepare now for the jobs of the future,” said Prof Denis Dowling, Director of I-Form.
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