Hawthorne Third Graders Turn 3D Printing Into Hands-On Learning

Third graders at Hawthorne Elementary are learning what it takes to run a business, manage orders, work as a team and deliver a finished product. And they're doing it all with a 3D printer!

Thanks to a $700 grant from the Kearney School District Education Foundation (KSDEF), teacher Katy Foster has launched PAWsitive Prints, a student-led Project Based Learning (PBL) experience that puts her students in charge of a real-world production operation.

Teachers and staff at Hawthorne can submit orders for 3D-printed items through an online form. From there, the third graders take over.

Students organize incoming requests, operate the printer, finish and assemble products, package completed orders, track inventory and coordinate deliveries. They've even established their own production teams, with students taking responsibility for different stages of the process.

During a recent visit, students were busy sorting colorful 3D-printed creations, assembling Bulldog keychains and cupcake-themed items, and preparing orders for delivery.

The students are also learning to make the most of their resources. They've received an additional $300 in donations to purchase printing filament, and they're carefully collecting and sorting leftover material by color for recycling and future projects.

One of the most important aspects of PAWsitive Prints is Foster's intentional commitment to student ownership. Rather than simply demonstrating how the technology works, she's creating opportunities for her third graders to make decisions, solve problems, collaborate with classmates and take responsibility for the results.

Along the way, students are developing skills in communication, organization, teamwork, problem-solving and customer service, all while exploring the possibilities of emerging technology.

This is Project Based Learning in action, with students applying what they learn to meaningful work that serves their school community.

Thank you to Ms. Foster for creating this experience and to KSDEF and the generous donors whose support is helping these young Bulldogs turn their ideas into reality!