Keeping Student Programs on the Cutting Edge

January 20, 2015

Students and teacher peer into the process chamber of a 3D printer

Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Education Programs (OEP) purchased three 3D printers last year because “We wanted to remain on the cutting edge for our student programs, and 3D printers connect nicely to science at the Lab,” said Bernadette Uzzi, supervisor of kindergarten through grade 12 programs. “Schools are beginning to look at these printers for technology classes.”

She added that engineering is a core element of the Next Generation Science Standards developed by the National Research Council in partnership with science and educational organizations.

During OEP’s summer workshops, students designed magnetically levitated cars, made them in a 3D printer, and tested their designs. During an engineering program, Boy Scouts created neckerchief slides, key chains, tent stakes, and sporks. At Sci-Ed 2014, a professional development day for teachers, one workshop was dedicated to 3D printing. Uzzi quoted a satisfied teacher: “Getting to use the technology really made it seem more accessible and easy to incorporate it into my classroom.”

To learn more about the Lab’s Education Programs visit: www.bnl.gov/education/

2015-5492  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom