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Focusing on STEM Education | 3D Academy
We have a passion for STEM education and wanted to share some of our most popular STEM related blog posts with you.
The Baby Toon – From Science Fair to Shark Tank
Our client, The Baby Toon, was featured on the Season 11 Premiere of Shark Tank and was able to successfully secure a deal with Lori Greiner. Inventor of The Baby Toon, Cassidy Crowley (age 10), and her family have been on this startup journey for three years now and watching it culminate with a deal on Shark Tank was certainly a highlight for them and us. We had a chance to talk with Cassidy and her mom, Lori, to discuss the entire experience and share their favorite memories with us.
Entrepreneurship Needs STEM Education
A quick glance inside of a STEM focused classroom will show a range of design possibilities to the same question posed by the teacher. Students love to think critically and use their creativity—much like entrepreneurs. Getting hands-on and designing a solution is what entrepreneurs do best.
STEM education is more than four subjects, it’s a mindset. The skills taught in STEM classes can be used in any career field—especially, entrepreneurship.
The Changing Landscape of STEM Education
Technological advancements coupled with vocal industry proponents, have successfully transformed the way STEM education is taught. This is great news, because the long-term benefits of STEM are profound on students’ future career success—whether in a STEM field, or not.
The Long-Term Benefits of a STEM Education
STEM teaches valuable life skills. Technology is transforming the landscape of our lives—in today’s global marketplace there is no substitute for a strong STEM education background as you enter the workforce. In this post we discuss STEM education facts about the benefits of the curriculum outside of the classroom.
3D Academy
Our 3D Academy is your STEM education partner. We specialize in developing and integrating industry technologies with STEM education and can build custom programs for your classroom or school. We understand that closing the STEM skills gap takes effort from both academia and professionals in the field, and we are happy to work with schools to bring hands-on and project-based opportunities to students.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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3D Innovations LLC on Hawaii News Now — Sept. 24th
Update: Here is a link to the news segment that aired: 3D Innovations provides students with hands-on learning experience
President of 3D Innovations LLC, Collin Kobayashi, will sit down with Hawaii News Now to talk about the rapid growth of the 3D printing industry and how this industry is influencing major industries here in Hawaii and worldwide. The segment will air on Tuesday, September 24th at 7:20am HST.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a technology that lets you create a physical object from a digital model. This technology originated in 1983 and since then has seen a steady rise in popularity. The original function of 3D printing technology, and still its most popular use today, was to rapidly create, develop and test product prototypes. One of the original terms for the technology was in fact, ‘rapid prototyping’. However, as the technology has evolved and matured, so has its name—today it’s most commonly referred to as 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing.
The Benefits of 3D Printing
The benefits of 3D printing are numerous: speed, complexity, customization, personalization, simplified manufacturing and ease of access to name a few. For entrepreneurs, these benefits translate into faster product development and quicker product launches. For businesses, these benefits open a completely new way of imaging product designs, expanding product offerings and streamlining the manufacturing process.
The aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, robotics, medical and dental industries are the top industries helping to propel 3D printing forward. These industries have been able to successfully utilize the technology for end-use parts and in turn, have sped up the way they design, build and manufacture—saving companies significant time and money. According to the industry leading Wohler’s Report, the 3D printing industry is forecasted at $15.8 billion for 2020. The forecast continues to climb to $23.9 billion in 2022, and $35.6 billion in 2024.
3D Printing in the Classroom
While 3D printing is making its mark on startups and businesses, it has also found a niche in education. Schools are eager to bring this technology into the classroom as a way of providing hands-on learning experiences. The landscape of education, particularly STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, is shifting and 3D printing is at the forefront. By engaging students in hands-on learning, students are now designing and 3D printing their creative solutions to real world problems, bringing math to life and exploring subject matter in a new and innovative way.
Here at 3D Innovations LLC we utilize this technology frequently throughout the product development process and in our 3D Academy workshops. Head on over to our website to see the various ways we are able to help entrepreneurs, in Hawaii and beyond, develop and launch their startups.
Below is the full Press Release from 3D Innovations LLC:
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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Meet Our 3D Innovations Intern: Joanne Chi
Get to Know Joanne Chi, 3D Innovations’ Summer Intern
Q: What sparked your passion for engineering?
A: I’ve always liked to build things. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Innovation and Imagination Design Challenge and I designed and built a lamp with my team. That experience made me realize that I really enjoy seeing a project go from an idea to something real and tangible. It also made me realize that I liked designing and putting things together.
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Q: What future career do you see yourself in?
A: Currently, I’m undecided because I like the medical profession and I like engineering.
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Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
A: In my spare time I LOVE to catch up on some sleep and surf the internet.
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Q: What inspires you?
A: My older sister, Jeanna, and my HOSA State Advisor, Mrs. Toyama, inspire me. They’re both very confident and skilled individuals and I hope to make them proud.
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Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
A: I was digging through my old photos on my phone and I found a video clip of my two friends testing whether or not their phones were waterproof. They both dunked their phones into the nearby pool where we were studying for chemistry finals. I think maybe the stress of finals made us a little delirious. Don’t worry, the phones survived, and our final exams went smoothly!
Please feel free to reach out to us, info@3d-innovations.com, if you have words of encouragement or wisdom to pass along to Joanne.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today.
Exploring STEM Subjects During Summer Break
Here we share a few ideas on exploring STEM subjects together as a family.
Find a Makerspace
Makerspaces are popping up all over cities. Many libraries now have Makerspaces of their very own that are available to the community. In a makerspace, students can create anything their mind dreams up. Most makerspaces have the tools available to create both virtual and physical objects.
“To define a school makerspace by its purpose and simplest of terms, it is a place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests; learn to use tools and materials, both physical and virtual; and develop creative projects.” Laura Flemming ‘Worlds of Making’
Introduce a CAD Program
3D CAD programs are available to a wide range of ages. The best part is that you don’t have to be an engineer yourself to help your student find a CAD program that best suits them. Many of the CAD programs focused on younger demographics come with fun and interactive tutorials to help them, and you, get started.
Visit a Science Museum
Science museums are a great place to get your hands moving with exploring STEM subjects. Unlike traditional museums, science museums are usually a place where you can ‘learn by doing’. Explore weather patterns, the human body, the solar system and so much more with a trip to a science museum. If your child doesn’t have a specific interest in a science area, this range of material just might help them find what truly interests them.
Become a Junior Ranger
Head outdoors and into nature. The National Parks Service hosts Junior Ranger programs at all of their parks, which encourages students to explore, learn and protect. The Junior Ranger program provides activities and educational booklets to help your child learn about what they see within the park.
Subscribe to a Monthly STEM Box
Subscription boxes are a fun and easy way to foster your child’s love of learning. With the rise in popularity of subscription boxes, there are now quite a few focused on various STEM subjects now. These boxes arrive monthly and contain activities for you and your child to do together. One month you might be engineering a mechanical claw and the next you are building the solar system together. These boxes provide a great opportunity for hands-on learning.
STEM education teaches valuable life skills that carry over into all aspects of daily life. This summer, keep your child learning and engaged with some fun hands-on activities.
A STEM focused summer camp will give your student a structured, hands-on approach learning. Your child will be surrounded by peers with similar interests to their own and teachers that want to foster their love of learning STEM subjects.
Our 3D Academy hosts and participates in STEM Enrichment Camps throughout the year. Head on over to our 3D Academy calendar to view our upcoming camps.
About Our 3D Academy
3D Academy, a division of 3D Innovations, specializes in developing and integrating industry technologies with STEM Programs and Education.
3D Academy promotes (STEM) education programs that integrate 3D Technology into K–12, as well as university classrooms. Using hands-on and project-based learning strategies, we have been effective in providing students with opportunities to excel in the areas of STEM and to integrate industry applications into their learning experiences.
Our core program utilizes 3D CAD and takes students through the entire design process (design, prototyping, manufacturing, etc.). When integrated into the school curriculum, our STEM education programs provide students with opportunities to solve real world design problems, engage with industry standard technology, and transform concepts into reality.
Interested in a personalized hands-on approach to STEM education in your classroom or school? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com so we can talk further about your program needs and how our 3D Academy can assist you.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today.
Honolulu Mini Maker Faire — June 22, 2019
Our President, Collin Kobayashi, will be at our 3D Innovations booth answering your 3D printing, prototyping and product commercialization questions. This is a great chance to talk with Collin about the product development process and learn more about what it takes to bring a product to life.
What is a Maker Faire?
A Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects.
We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth – a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Honolulu Mini Maker Faire Ticket Details
Tickets to the Honolulu Mini Maker Faire are FREE, however it is recommended that you go online and reserve your tickets beforehand. Your reserved tickets will speed up the registration process and help the event estimate attendance. (Reserve your ticket here.)
About 3D Innovations President Collin Kobayashi
WHAT I DO: I help companies in all industries bring new products to market, reduce prototyping costs, ensure requirements and quality are achieved, and develop manufacturing and go-to-market strategies.
WHY IT WORKS: I’ve spent almost 20 years in Design/Manufacturing sectors and understand the challenges and needs of companies doing R&D. Using our expertise in prototyping and manufacturing along with industry standard software and equipment, we will accelerate your development process and bring products to market faster.
HOW IT WORKS: The first step in the process is to schedule a consultation to discuss your project goals, objectives and challenges. Through this initial session, we will be able to outline a high-level strategy and plan for bringing your product to market. I’ll also make a professional recommendation for the next steps that should be taken to ensure you can take your product to market!
To learn more about the Honolulu Mini Maker Faire, head on over to the official website.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today.
3D Academy: Your STEM Education Partner
Using hands-on and project-based learning strategies, we have been effective in providing students with opportunities to excel in the areas of STEM and to integrate industry applications into their learning experiences.
3D Academy in the Classroom
3D Academy has a range of programs that seamlessly transition into the classroom to expand and broaden students’ coursework. We provide an introduction to a range of engineering subjects—3D Printing, Robotics, Digital Media and Drones, just to name a few. The 3D Academy team works closely with teachers to create a custom curriculum that most benefits their students.
Meet Lulu
Virtual SeaPerch (VPerch) Project
In partnership with HI FusionEd, Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Navatek, VPerch was created to provide students with the opportunity to learn about various STEM applications as they relate to underwater robotics. The emphasis of VPerch is to introduce students to engineering design through the virtual design (3D CAD) process where they can design and simulate (virtually test) their design and analyze the results before building the physical system. Using the virtual design and simulation process, students see first-hand how their design will perform under certain conditions. Once their virtual design is completed and have enough confidence that it will perform as designed, they migrate to the build phase where they can build their ROV based on their virtual design specifications.
Throughout the duration of the project, students will learn about robotics, marine engineering concepts, and science/math applications to build an underwater ROV while integrating problem solving, teamwork, and technical skills.
STEM Education Enrichment Camps
3D Academy STEM enrichment camps are a great introduction to STEM education. No prior engineering classes or skills are required to attend a camp. We start with the fundamentals and help students build upon those. [Note: Our STEM Enrichment Camps align with the Hawaii Public School calendar and occur during school breaks (i.e. Winter, Spring and Summer break).]
To see past 3D Academy STEM Enrichment camps, head to our website or our Facebook page.
If you are interested in learning more about our 3D Academy, please send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com so that we can talk about your specific STEM education needs and what type of program will work best for your students.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today
Entrepreneurship Needs STEM Education
Critical Thinking—Ask Why
Testing a hypothesis is a major part of STEM education. A reoccurring question at every stage of a science experiment or design challenge is, “Why?”
Answering the simple “why” question gets students thinking about possibilities. It is amazing how one word can take a student beyond a traditional way of thinking and get them exploring alternatives.
Entrepreneurs face this same question everyday as well and are required to think out-of-the-box. Critical thinking skills are key—and one might even say, mandatory—when it comes to starting a business.
Design a Solution
Whether you are an entrepreneur designing the latest tech gadget or a new restaurant concept—innovative solutions drive your business. Problem solving skills are the very foundation of STEM education and teaching this valuable life skill translates both to college and beyond—no matter the career field entered. Having the ability to stop, assess, analyze, hypothesize and solve a problem is a skill every individual needs at every age level.
Share your Invention
When we have the correct answer to a problem, we want to share it. It doesn’t matter if we are the first to figure out a challenging math equation or the first to design the iPod, we have an answer to a problem and want to share it.
A quick glance inside of a STEM focused classroom will show a range of design possibilities to the same question posed by the teacher. Students love to think critically and use their creativity—much like entrepreneurs. Getting hands-on and designing a solution is what entrepreneurs do best.
STEM education is more than four subjects, it’s a mindset. The skills taught in STEM classes can be used in any career field—especially, entrepreneurship.
Have questions about the way our 3D Academy program can complement your areas of study in the classroom? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today
The Changing Landscape of STEM Education
Reimaging STEM Education
Where once lectures and standardized tests were the main ways to teach and test STEM knowledge, today’s teachers understand that there are better, more hands-on methods, of educating students around STEM subjects.
3D Printing
For instance, 3D printing technology has revolutionized classrooms, schools and makerspaces around the world. 3D printing makes learning fun and engaging. Students can now move away from books and lectures and actually design and print the subject they are learning about. Learning about ancient Egypt? Design and print a model of a mummy.
3D Modeling
Let’s take a quick step back, and before you even get to the 3D printing phase, a CAD model must be designed. This is just another way in which students get to test ideas, theories and use their critical thinking skills. Here at 3D Academy, we have seen a real shift and educators are more interested than ever in introducing students to 3D modeling programs because they understand the long-term benefits of this skill set.
Drones
Drones are taking off, literally and figuratively, in the classroom. This is another area that draws awe from students and they have proved a great way to provide hands-on learning. Whether students are working together to design an actual drone, a replacement part for one or understanding the ways in which this technology can be used in different industries—it has successfully captured the attention and imagination of students.
STEM Education Teaches Life Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Working as part of a team starts from a young age and continues on into the workplace. Learning how to collaborate and work together is a necessity. Teamwork helps students learn about different perspectives, respecting other ideas and coming up with a solution together.
Problem Solving Skills
Hands-on lessons for STEM subjects often revolve around solving real world problems. Students must assess a situation and develop a solution. Problem solving skills are immensely beneficial both inside and outside of the classroom. Having the ability to stop, assess, analyze, hypothesize and solve a problem is a skill every individual needs at every age level.
Innovative Thinking
We are all aware of the benefits of “thinking outside the box”, however, this does not always come naturally. Learning to ask questions and develop diverse solutions helps to instill an inquisitive mindset.
The way STEM education is being taught has fundamentally shifted and this change will no doubt have a major impact on our future generation of STEM professionals and business leaders.
Have questions about the way our 3D Academy program can complement your areas of study in the classroom? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today
Top 3D Innovations Blog Posts of 2018
Get Your Product Idea Off the Ground
Coming up with a product idea is exhilarating—knowing that you have an idea that will help not only yourself, but an entire segment of the population, is the very definition of exciting. So now you have an idea, but you aren’t exactly sure what to do next. Here we have gathered helpful advice and insight into the next stages of your product development journey.
The Benefits of Using 3D Printing Technology in Education
As the cost of 3D printers has dropped significantly in recent years, more schools are able to adopt and incorporate the technology into the curriculum. 3D printing technology promotes active learning and has the power to open a world of career possibilities to students. 3D printing inspires creativity and can help encourage students to explore a career in engineering or science.
What to Expect from Your First Product Development Meeting
Many first-time entrepreneurs want to jump right in and get to work building their product, only to realize that they may not have the exact skillset necessary to develop the product all the way. This is where a product development firm is brought in to aid in the process. It can be nerve-wracking sharing your idea with someone else, and we all like to have a general idea of what we can expect in initial meetings.
Building A Hardware Startup Outside of a Major Tech Hub
We are going to start off with the good news, building a hardware startup outside of a major hub (i.e. Silicon Valley, Boston, L.A.) is possible. In fact, in today’s connected world, these major tech hubs are becoming less and less appealing for entrepreneurs just setting out with their startup. It’s no secret that the cost of living in major tech hubs is astronomical and upfront costs to get your business going also come at a premium. So if you are an entrepreneur looking to launch a product and start a business, but have no desire to pick-up and move, here are a few ideas on how you can successfully launch your hardware startup from your home city.
This past year was fantastic as we helped a number of startups launch their idea and assisted others with various product development and manufacturing solutions. We can’t wait to see what 2019 brings!
Cheers!
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today
3D Academy: RobotX STEM Expo Exhibitor (Dec. 11-12, 2018)
What is VPerch?
In partnership with HI FusionEd, Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Navatek, VPerch was created to provide students with the opportunity to learn about various STEM applications as they relate to underwater robotics.
The emphasis of VPerch is to introduce students to the engineering design process through the virtual design (3D CAD) process where they can design and simulate (virtually test) their UROV design and analyze the results before building the physical system. Using the virtual design and simulation process, students see first-hand how their design will perform under certain conditions. Once their virtual design is completed and have enough confidence that it will perform as designed, they migrate to the build phase where they can build their ROV based on their virtual design specifications. We look forward to talking more about the VPerch program and demonstrating it at the RobotX STEM Expo.
3D Printing Technology in the Classroom
3D printing technology promotes active and hands-on learning while having the power to open a world of career possibilities to students.
Four Benefits of Introducing Students to 3D Printing:
3D printing inspires creativity and can help encourage students to explore a career in engineering or science.
Additional RobotX STEM Expo Event Details
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn today