Peel High has ushered in a new era of design and technology with a new 3D printer being used across a whole range of subjects and topics at the secondary school.
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The $5000 MakerBot printer was funded by the schools P&C committee at the end of last year, and is already playing a role in at least two students’ HSC design subjects.
Jock McPherson recently printed an 11:1 scale model of a log splitting trailer that he will now produce as a functional full size metal work for his HSC. Teaching librarian Calli Kaluder said that the technology and design classes are just the beginning of what the printer is capable of.
“The printer is fitting into and enhancing most curriculum areas, not just technology and design subjects,” Mrs Kaluder said.
“It can print artefacts for history, topography maps for geography, complex molecules and cross sections for chemistry and biology, food moulds and cutters for food technology and more for almost all subjects.”
While the printer takes care of the finished product, the majority of the work is done in the design phase, with students using CAD programs and other design programs such as Google SketchUp to create their modern masterpieces.
“It puts students in direct contact with emerging technologies and shows them first hand how to apply them,” Ms Kaluder said. “It also provides the students with a marketable skill by educating them in modern production techniques.”
As well as in class, students also have access to the printer at lunch time and after school.
While printing phone cases with unique designs, moving models, Star Wars characters and other models, the designs are getting more and more intricate and creative as the students learn and push the limits of design.
Mrs Kaluder is currently working on a series of competitions for students to enter individual designs such as the most useful classroom designs, while the 3D printer will be on full display at the upcoming Open Day.
The Year Seven Selective High School Open Day will be held on March 4 from 10am until 2pm.