For the second year, MakerBot, one of the leaders in the emerging world of desktop 3D printing, has donated 15 MakerBot printers for Mouse  to distribute to public schools throughout New York City!

To be selected to receive one of these 3D printers, Mouse Squad Coordinators submitted proposals describing the 3D printing projects they would implement with their Mouse Squad and students from science, math, art and technology classes. We are excited to have selected several new schools based on their proposals!

Their projects range from designing and prototyping computer accessories to architectural studies and planning a school garden. These hands-on, project-based learning opportunities will give students a unique opportunity to engage in this emerging and exciting technology.

Angel Hernandez, one of our new Mouse MakerBot Coordinators points out “Though many students have prior technical experience, an opportunity to work and produce in a cutting edge area is an invaluable chance to move ahead...to a new and advancing field.”

We also greatly appreciate that Mouse Squad educators and students who previously participated in this program will be mentors to our new schools. These mentors will help guide the new schools through their projects with advice and best practices. They will also receive a Replicator for their schools so that they can continue their outstanding work with 3D design!

Blaise Russo, a math teacher from one of our new MakerBot schools, recognizes that the “potential for our students [to learn] using MakerBot 3D printers in the classroom is limitless.” We couldn’t agree more, and we can’t wait to share the participants’ experiences with you. Both new and mentor schools will be attending trainings, completing tutorials and posting their efforts online, so stay tuned for updates!

Congrats to the Mouse student from Robert F. Wagner Middle School for his winning 3D Design MicroProject -- a picture frame in the shape of a "W" for "Wagner" of course!