Silver Spring Intermediate School Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) students will receive upgraded and expanded 3D printing technology in their classroom thanks to a grant from the Milwaukee Society of Plastics Engineering Education Foundation. The grant money will allow for the purchase of equipment to support more than 750 students this school year alone.
“In fifth grade, we introduce 3D modeling and master basic skills together. But once students see their designs printed, their creativity soars,” explains Silver Spring Intermediate School AET Teacher Megan Sykes. “In sixth grade, students advance to larger projects and designs with parts that fit together.”
The $2986.20 grant will fund replacements for current 3D printers which are outdated, slow and difficult to maintain. These printers are utilized by all fifth and sixth graders in Hamilton School District’s AET program. “We’re excited to explore the advanced features of the new printers and deeply grateful for the support of the Society of Plastic Engineers,” says Sykes.
Society of Plastics Engineers Board Members Jason Braman and Edward Marek visited Silver Spring Intermediate School on December 16 to tour the AET classroom and present a check.
Silver Spring Intermediate School’s AET program is expected to service approximately 758 students during the 2024-25 school year. Given the fact that the last printers were purchased in 2016, if these new printers are used for the next five years they will benefit approximately 3,790 students.
“The Milwaukee Society of Plastics Engineering Education Foundation was formed in 1983 to promote the plastics industry through increased awareness of this ever-growing segment of American commerce and manufacturing,” explains Milwaukee Society of Plastics Engineering Education Foundation Secretary Jason Braman who is a senior account manager for Chase Plastics in Pewaukee.