Create an Awesome STEAM Lab

Walsh Schools

Walsh, CO

Requested Amount: $2,500

Donation Amount: $500

Our rural school needs help funding our STEAM Lab. Our lab will help us develop creative thinkers.

Our school is a small, rural school that is working on creating a STEAM lab. We want to offer our students more options to create, learn, invent, and problem-solve. The STEAM lab is where students can bring their ideas to make a reality. We would love to have a 3D printer for our students to use in our lab. 3D printers benefit STEM classrooms by seamlessly merging theoretical learning with practical application. These devices empower students to transcend textbook knowledge and embark on a journey of hands-on exploration. By enabling the creation of intricate physical models, prototypes, and visual aids, 3D printers transform abstract concepts into tangible reality, fostering a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through the iterative design process facilitated by 3D printing, students develop critical problem-solving skills as they navigate challenges, refine ideas, and refine their designs. This technology cultivates a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging students to envision novel solutions to complex problems. Ultimately, 3D printers propel STEM education into a realm where students absorb information and actively contribute to shaping the world through their practical creations and inventive thinking. A student can use a 3D printer to bring their biology project to life by creating a detailed and accurate model of a cellular structure, enhancing their understanding of cellular processes. In a history class, students can design and print a replica of an ancient artifact, enabling them to explore historical periods tangibly. For a math assignment, a student might use a 3D printer to craft geometric shapes, aiding in visualizing complex spatial relationships. In a technology and engineering club, a student could utilize a 3D printer to fabricate custom parts for a robotics competition, demonstrating practical problem-solving skills. Being a rural town, occasionally finding odd parts for machinery can be an expensive and time-consuming process. With 3D printers, these odd pieces could be reproduced or even sold to create profit for the school.

Our school district is 68% free and reduced lunch. There is 21% diversity in our school. Our community is made up of farmers, ranchers, medical and education jobs. We are located 4.5 hours from Denver and have little access to cultural and educational resources.