Thanks to a $10,000 grant awarded to Southern Regional High School educators Melissa (Missy) Krupp and Irene Hughes in Ocean County, a strong partnership will be developed between at-risk special education students and high-achieving college bound students.
Students will collaborate with e-Nable, which is a global online community of individuals from all over the world who use 3D printers to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those in need.
Anatomy and Physiology students will use Computer-Assistive Design (CAD) software to create a strong, functioning prosthetic arm based on candidate measurements provided by e-Nable. Students will integrate scientific concepts in the design process to provide the candidate with an arm that can be used for several different purposes. At-risk students will learn how to use CAD software and print the 3D upper arm assistive device. Instructional videos will guide the students on the assembly process. Several of the intended recipients of the assistive devices are young children who will require additional prosthetics as they grow.
Throughout the entire process, learners will apply peer-led team learning from inception to conclusion of the project, while also embedding STEM throughout each phase. The final 3D upper limb assistive device will be shipped to the location of the recipient candidate internationally and followed up by consultation and online therapy services from a local university.
This project is intended to be a sustainable solution through future grants and crowd sourcing potential to purchase disposable materials for the 3D printers.
For further information, contact:
Melissa Krupp
(609) 597-9481, ext. 2220 (Southern Regional High School)