XYZprinting: Investing $1 Million in US STEAM 3D Education Program

Taiwan’s XYZprinting continues to lead in desktop 3D printing, as well as securing a future in STEAM education for younger generations in the US, to include a group of Michigan students interested in progressive technology at Stockbridge High School. Overall, the dynamic—and generous—3D printer manufacturer is planning to invest over $1 million for US STEAM education projects, with 300 3D printers entering classrooms and labs soon.

Created with teachers in mind, XYZprinting’s NGSS-based STEAM curriculum integrates comprehensive lessons that are accompanied by a 3D printer so that learning can be put into physical action. Currently, there are over 40 different lesson plans aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

The Stockbridge InvenTeam houses ten XYZprinting 3D printers in their lab, and they will be putting them to good use as they continue to add to their project portfolio already full of innovations like the Ezra Project where student Chelsey Asquith fabricated a 3D printed fishing pole adapter for a disabled seven-year-old. The high school freshman saw a great opportunity to improve quality of life for the young boy who has been suffering from lack of mobility in his hands after a stroke.

“The team aims to inspire, engage, and educate the endless possibilities with 3D printing while leaving a positive impact in the world,” said Bob Richards, Technology Teacher who leads the Stockbridge InvenTeam.

The InvenTeam also previous created an Arduino-controlled remote underwater camera and water quality monitoring system to study young lamprey, an invasive species in the nearby St. Clair River.

“A story like The Ezra Project is just one of the many stories that show the importance to nurture young talents for the future. XYZprinting’s decision to invest in the STEAM 3D Education Program is to give schools easier access and the right tools in introducing 3D printing in the classroom. We hope that through this program we can encourage a generation of creators and problem solvers of the future, that will continue to bring a positive impact in the community,” said Vinson Chien, Director of XYZprinting US.

The XYZprinting STEAM 3D Education Program is separated into three categories, with 80 K-5 schools to be selected, 100 schools from grades 6-8, and 120 high schools from grades 9-12. Selected schools will receive one XYZprinting da Vinci Jr 1.0 (valued at $199.95) 3D printer and a free one-year Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) NGSS-based curriculum for teachers to use in the classroom. Find out more about the curriculum here.

Applications for the STEAM program are being accepted this year on the following timeline:

• April 11, 2019 – Application period opens

• September 5, 2019 – Application period closes

• 30 days after receipt of application – selected schools to be notified by email

XYZprinting has brought immense energy to the world of 3D printing manufacturing, with a momentum that has not slowed since they came onto the scene with their da Vinci 1.0 3D printer in 2014, and that hardware has only continued to evolve with products like the da Vinci Color Mini and the da Vinci Color AiO (All in One).

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[Source / Images: XYZprinting]