Ankeny middle school students to 3D print maracas for students with special needs
Students at Ankeny's Prairie Ridge Middle School are using technology to help bring more music to their fellow classmates.
The school received a Prairie Meadows grant for $7,500 to help cover the costs of 3D printing equipment that will soon be used to create musical instruments for students who have special needs.
Seventh graders have been using 3D printers and a laser engraver during art class, study hall or lunch time to create projects like laser-engraved coasters, ornaments and 3D-printed molds for clay projects. Their projects were all first designed by hand and with computer software.
On a recent visit to art teacher Kevin McColley's classroom, students showed off some of their projects, like a custom pencil case, coasters with elaborate designs, an ornament shaped like Stitch from the Disney movie "Lilo & Stitch" and a football-shaped mold.
It's all leading up to a project in the near future, where students will create customizable maraca shakers with the 3D printer, with detachable straps, for students with special needs. The idea aims to give art students hands-on experience with new technology and boost their creativity, while opening up opportunities for students with special needs to be more integrated with the music program.
Students also will consider ways they can use the equipment for projects for other departments, like band and choir.
"These new technology additions have already ignited students’ creativity and built their creative confidence," the district said in a statement. "As technology continues to grow and advance all around the world, Ankeny Schools feels it is crucial to keep up on the latest technological advancements, and we’re eager and excited that the Prairie Meadows Betterment Grant allowed us to do just that for our students."
Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Ankeny students to 3D print instruments for students with special needs
