Becoming 3D and ROBO 3D Release Boys & Girls Clubs of America 3D Printing STEM Education Kit

Florida-based 3D printing hardware reseller Becoming 3D has partnered with 3D printer manufacturer ROBO 3D to develop a 3D Printing STEM Education Kit created exclusively for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The kit was designed to be a self-contained 3D printing educational package that includes all of the materials, software and custom 3D printing curriculum needed to start teaching students and teachers alike how to use the technology. The pilot program was launched earlier this year at the Boys & Girls Club in Jefferson City, Missouri, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The announcement of the STEM education kit was made at the 2016 Boys & Girls Clubs National Conference held last month in New Orleans.

The specialized 3D printing package was developed to introduce middle and high school-aged students in Boys & Girls Clubs classrooms to the basics of 3D printing and 3D modelling. The goal is to help develop the math and science skills that are likely to be needed in the labor force of the future. Many of the educators that were early adopters of 3D printing technology learned that 3D printing is an ideal gateway into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and often leads to much more in-depth learning for their students. Not only does it foster the students’ imaginations and help develop problem-solving skills, but it allows the to turn their ideas into real, tangible objects.

Demo day of the 3D printer kit in Jefferson City.

“This 3D printer is giving our members an opportunity to really develop a skill set that helps them accomplish success in the future and be prepared for the job market our country is facing right now,” explained the Capital City Boys & Girls Club Director of Operations, Christopher Sutton.

3D Printing STEM Education Kit.

The Boys & Girls Club STEM educational kit comes on a custom designed printer cart that holds an R1 Plus ROBO 3D Printer and six spools of 3D printing filament. The kit also includes a 3D printing tools kit, a micro USB port and a microSD card, 3D modelling software, 3D printing software and all of the cables and power cords needed for an active classroom. Becoming 3D developed an exclusive online 3D printing curriculum that includes multiple lesson plans, educational videos and a series of 3D printing projects. Boys & Girls Clubs classrooms that purchase the kit will also receive a one-year warranty and one year of phone and online tech support.

“The future of tomorrow’s engineers, designers and problem solvers depends on their education; using every tool available to build a brilliant future. 3D printing fuels limitless creativity when students get to see, hold and test their ideas in real space,” explains Becoming 3D. “The possibilities are endless when you open children’s eyes to science and technology. Now you can help this become a reality for YOUR members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. – Not only does it inspire more in depth learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but it shows kids how to conceptualize their ideas and bring them to life!”

You can see a video about the 3D Printing STEM Education Kit and the pilot program here:

Both Becoming 3D and ROBO 3D teamed up to help launch the pilot program in Jefferson City, Missouri, where a class was introduced to the technology and the concepts behind 3D printing. Each 3D Printing STEM Education Kit is available for purchase exclusively to the Boys & Girls Club for $2,299, however Beyond 3D is offering a special discounted price of $1,999 to attendees of the National Conference held last May 11th to the 13th. The kit is now available on Becoming 3D here. Discuss further in the 3D Printing Stem Education Kit forum over at 3DPB.com.