Cork schools take top prizes in national 3D printing challenge
James Cox
Two primary schools in Cork have been named the winners of a national design competition that used 3D printing to respond to sustainability challenges within their schools.
The competition is part of a European programme that gives teachers access to the latest information and technology and "sparks interest in STEM in the classroom".
Ballinacarriga National School and Drinagh National School, situated near Dunmanway in West Cork, have been named the winners of ‘Manufacturing a Healthy Future’ 2023 – a 3D printing design challenge.
The competition is coordinated by I-Form, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing; and Stryker, a global medical technology company. The project, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology - Manufacturing, challenged young pupils to give a ‘second life’ or a ‘life extension’ to something that might otherwise be thrown away, by improving it with 3D printed parts.
I-Form, headquartered at University College Dublin, and Stryker, which has manufacturing operations in Cork and Limerick, have been working with primary school teachers since 2021 to empower them with the skills to bring manufacturing technology into the classroom. Over three years, 67 teachers and 1,300 pupils have participated in the programme.
Fifth and sixth class students from Ballinacarriga National School designed a solution to extend the life of the chairs in their classroom; while fourth class students from Drinagh National School brought old puzzle games back to life by 3D printing the missing pieces.
Both schools were awarded €500 in education supplies for their school. They have also won the opportunity to visit the Stryker manufacturing facility in Cork, where they will witness firsthand the innovative work being done in additive (3D) manufacturing.
Mag O’Keefe, vice president of Global Additive Technologies, said: “Stryker's participation in the Manufacturing a Healthy Future campaign showcases our commitment to developing innovative technologies that tackle real-world problems, encourage sustainability, and support local schools and communities. We want to inspire young minds to be imaginative and discover the potential of 3D printing. Stryker is proud to support initiatives that lay the foundation for a more sustainable and innovative future.”
Barry O’Driscoll, teacher at Ballinacarriga NS, said: “'Manufacturing a Healthy Future’ is a great initiative that I would recommend to all teachers. 3D printing allows students to use their imaginations and fosters creativity in a fun way. The programme also inspires children to consider pursuing careers in STEM in the future.”
Melissa Swanton, fourth Class teacher at Drinagh, said: "The students were so excited to be named a winner in the ‘Manufacturing a Healthy Future’ competition. 3D printing incorporates many key skills for students, such as teamwork, design, maths and art. The competition also educates the children around important themes of sustainability. It was very rewarding to see the pupils working together and developing problem-solving skills."
