Finding ways to keep STEM learning and the maker spirit alive has been challenging as educators deal with the pandemic. When schools first shut down, we saw how STEM and MakerEd really began to take a back seat. Teachers had to cover the more traditional educational requirements and try to find a rhythm in remote learning. At the same time, however, we—and plenty of others—knew just how important and beneficial STEM learning could continue to be despite the enormous challenge of finding time to teach it and finding a way to make it hands-on, which was nearly impossible. With help from our partners at LulzBot, however, and the commitment from a group of educators, one STEM project was born because of—and despite—the rapidly spreading pandemic.
Over the last few years, we’ve partnered fairly regularly with educators from the Harmony School System in Texas. And, last spring, educators in one of their schools decided to do something to help. They decided they wanted to use their space, their ingenuity, and their love of technology to help 3D print custom face shields, which we’ve all come to know as PPE, for doctors and other medical professionals who were giving so much in the fight to contain the virus. In all the chaos from last spring—in the education world and in general—this was a bright spot.
Using 3D printing to fight the pandemic.
Though these educators have experience with 3D printing as part of their instruction, they needed a huge stock of printers. They decided to go with LulzBot 3D printers and their team was great to work with. Though they placed the order through us, the LulzBot team did a fantastic job of executing it, including rounding up enough stock, handling much of the shipping logistics, and delivering it from North Dakota to Texas. We’re sure we speak for everybody within the Harmony School System when we extend sincere thanks to the LulzBot team!
The end result was hundreds of new face shields for medical professionals as they fought to keep us healthy. They ultimately ordered over 300 LulzBot 3D printers from us, which the LulzBot team did a great job fulfilling! The Harmony team also ordered tons of filament as you might imagine along with other accessories for their PPE project. It goes without saying, but we’re very grateful to them and grateful to have played a role in this project as well as we embodied the spirit of the Maker Movement and used creativity and passion to help them get the job done!
Designing face shields with LulzBot 3D printers.
Once they got the LulzBot printers, they went through a calculated design process, including creating a digital version of the final product using the CURA software. They wiped down the 3D printers and the space around them as well to ensure everybody’s safety. They created the straps first, which came out three at a time. This meant that somebody would then have to separate each of them before attaching them to the clear visors. They adjusted the strap sized by hand and then placed a softer head band on the inside of each one. Finally, they stuck the plastic shields to the straps, creating the final version to send to medical professionals!
Though it's not the kind of STEM learning we usually help facilitate, we’re thrilled to see how this project succeeded. Once again, we salute everyone involved with this project for deciding to make a positive impact on the community despite the circumstances and thank the Harmony educators as well as the LulzBot team for all of their support. Watch the video to see the production process and check out the LulzBot 3D printers we have on our store! If you have any questions, reach out to our team and follow us on Twitter and Instagram as well.
