Youth From Several Elementary Schools Explored STEM Through Freeform 3-D Printing

By Lane Duda — Submitted By Kristen Walker

In January, more than 30 youth from Yough Glades, Crellin, Friendsville and Grantsville Elementary schools participated in hands-on STEM instruction focused on freeform 3-D printing in their After School Programs. 

In a session led by Karen Wood, a 4-H Youth Development Educator from the University of Maryland Extension Office, students used 3-D pens to bring their creative designs to life, bridging the gap between imaginative art and engineering principles. This activity is part of a long-standing association between the University of Maryland and the Partners After School (PAS) program.

“By introducing students to 3-D printing in this freeform way, we allow them to experiment with the design process in real-time,” said Karen Wood. “Our goal is to foster curiosity for STEM fields that may carry forward into their academic careers.”

PAS is administered by the Garrett County Health Department and serves students in grades 3-5 from select schools, including Yough Glades, Crellin, Friendsville, and Grantsville Elementary Schools. The programs continue to be a vital resource for Garrett County families, offering enrichment activities at no cost to students through support from Potomac Highlands United Way. 

Partners After School is supported by the Garrett County Commissioners, Garrett County Health Department, Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports, Department of Social Services, and Potomac Highlands United Way. The views presented here are those of the grantee organization and not necessarily those of the Commission or Consortium.

For more information, visit the Live Healthy GC website by the Garrett County Health Department at https://livehealthygc.com or call 301 334-7730.

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Pictured above is Partners After School participant Zoe Roy using a 3-D pen to create designs, and showing off one of her 3-D creations.