One enterprising student at Thousand Islands Secondary School, Caretta Harder, is harnessing the power of 3D printing to support local community organizations. As a Grade 12 student, Harder has taken the initiative to combine education, innovation, and service through this technology.
Through the school’s Recognition of Experiential Learning for Credit (RELC) program, she led a project that transforms 3D printing into a tangible benefit for various local entities. The endeavor started with a simple classroom vote and quickly evolved into a substantial project where students design, produce, and sell custom 3D-printed items to benefit schools, non-profits, and other community programs.
“I saw how much these printers could do—not just for us, but for the community,” Harder stated, highlighting the potential for creativity and community assistance intertwined.
Educators at TISS promote hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical ways. Robin Doncaster, a computer science teacher and founder of the RELC program, recognized the students’ enthusiasm for 3D printing and supported the launch of this project.
The initiative has covered various crucial aspects, including outreach, production, marketing, and even securing funding to purchase user-friendly Bambu printers, which Harder had utilized at home previously. Their first commission came from the Brockville Figure Skating Club, for whom the students designed and printed branded shoe charms.
In the following project, they collaborated with Naismith Memorial Public School to create nature discs featuring local flora and fauna, intended to serve as interactive learning tools for students at Fitzroy Provincial Park.
The proceeds generated from these projects will help cover materials and equipment costs, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative. Harder has also been proactive in creating a user manual to help future students continue the endeavor, ensuring its longevity.
Her teacher, Antje Earl, commended Harder for building a lasting program driven by enthusiasm, creativity, and effective leadership, noting that it’s become more than just a school project—it’s a model for real-world learning.