All of my students love coming into the Maker Space Lab because they get the opportunity to design and print different 3D models. One of my favorite prints that they have made over the years is when they created medals for our students participating in the Special Olympics. My students found out that the athletes competing were not going to receive medals so they came to me and wanted to make medals using the 3D printer. Now each year, they want to continue making medals for the Special Olympics. Unfortunately, our 3D printer broke and cannot be repaired, so we need a new printer.

The goal for this project is for my students to continue being inventors and continue to build school camaraderie.

Our school has some of the most amazing students because they are so close with one another and want to help each other out. When we have the Special Olympics each year, our students get even more supportive coming together to have a parade for the athletes and cheering them on when they compete. Our students are also in charge of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and want to give back to all of the athletes in the Special Olympics. The students in my Maker Space Lab want to make the medals using a 3D printer because it makes them feel closer to the athletes.

Not only do my students want to use a 3D printer for the Special Olympics, but they also want to use it for the challenges in Maker Space. So many students never get to use a 3D printer and I want them to have that opportunity each time they come into my lab.