Mission:
Modeling the Future aims to get kids excited about the things they can do with computers. This project will help youth gain valuable STEM skills by providing the materials and support to build one open-source RepRap 3D printer. The Tronix Team at Park Avenue Youth and Family Services are eager for the opportunity to build the printer, a 3 month process that will foster 21st century tech skills.
When the 3D printer is complete, the youth, as well as general public, will be able to use modeling software to create three-dimensional plastic models of whatever their imagination can design. We will also market the 3D printer to other community technology centers across the Twin Cities metro, ultimately encouraging access to this valuable technology for more youth in the area.
Status:
We currently are raising money to buy the initial electronics and parts for our 3D printer. You can donate here.
With the donation of $20, you will receive your very own small(up to 2"x2"x2") plastic thank you gift of your choice from Thingiverse, courtesy of the kids in the Tronix Team! With the donation of $50, you will recieve a larger (up to 5"x5"x5") custom plastic thank you gift of your choice from Thingiverse.
Modeling the Future aims to get kids excited about the things they can do with computers. This project will help youth gain valuable STEM skills by providing the materials and support to build one open-source RepRap 3D printer. The Tronix Team at Park Avenue Youth and Family Services are eager for the opportunity to build the printer, a 3 month process that will foster 21st century tech skills.
When the 3D printer is complete, the youth, as well as general public, will be able to use modeling software to create three-dimensional plastic models of whatever their imagination can design. We will also market the 3D printer to other community technology centers across the Twin Cities metro, ultimately encouraging access to this valuable technology for more youth in the area.
Status:
We currently are raising money to buy the initial electronics and parts for our 3D printer. You can donate here.
With the donation of $20, you will receive your very own small(up to 2"x2"x2") plastic thank you gift of your choice from Thingiverse, courtesy of the kids in the Tronix Team! With the donation of $50, you will recieve a larger (up to 5"x5"x5") custom plastic thank you gift of your choice from Thingiverse.
FAQ
Who are we?
We are Brian, Ani, and Maria, a group serving an AmeriCorps service year through the Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) program. We help low-income folks learn how to use technology so they can move themselves and their families out of poverty. We do a lot of that work with kids, because kids who grow up using computers are more likely to stay out of trouble, go to college and get high-paying jobs. Who are the Tronix Team? Tronix Team offers hands-on technology education to urban middle school students in South Minneapolis. Students build electronic projects such as boomboxes, guitars or model motorboars. Tronix Team sessions are held at Park Avenue United Methodist Church, or at schools and libraries throughout the Twin Cities. |
What is a RepRap?
RepRap is a printer that can form 3D plastic objects. Programs like AutoCad and Google SketchUp allow users to design models, and with the RepRap users can hold their ideas in their own hands. Experience with these kinds of programs can lead to careers in engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and design. Since many parts of the RepRap are made from plastic, and a RepRap can print these parts, the printer can be self-replicating. With some time and materials, one RepRap can be the gateway to many more 3D printers for kids and tech-enthusiasts alike in the Twin Cities area. |