MOUNTAIN LAKES MIDDLE SCHOOLERS TO PARTICIPATE IN 3D GIVING DAY ON DECEMBER 7TH

Nationwide Event Brings Together International 3D Printing Day And Giving Tuesday To Make Books More Accessible For People With Visual Impairments

Mountain Lakes, NJ – Imagine The Grinch without the image of Whoville? What about Make Way for Ducklings without the ducklings? Now imagine 3D drawing bringing them to life for those who haven’t experienced them visually.

That’s exactly what a group of Morris County students are trying to do.

On Saturday, December 7th, students at the Mountain Lakes Public Library Makerspace will partake in the first ever 3D Giving Day. Students will spend five hours learning, exploring, and creating their tactile books. 3D Giving Day brings together International 3D Printing Day and Giving Tuesday, also to take place on December 3rd, for a first-of-its kind technological, educational and humanitarian celebration.

As part of 3D Giving Day celebrations, both students from the Mountain Lakes Public Library Makerspace and other schools from around the world will bring to life illustrations from some of the most popular children’s books in history. Through the use of 3D printing pens from 3Doodler, participants will recreate iconic illustrations allowing them to be tactile, in some cases, for the first time ever. These creations will then be given to libraries, schools and other institutions that aid those with visual impairments, allowing everyone the opportunity to experience these stories in a whole new way.

Ian Matty, Manager of the Mountain Lakes Public Library Makerspace says “Our Public Library Makerspace mission is to provide the community with resources and opportunities to improve their technological literacy.  Makerspace resources such as 3D Printers and 3D Pens provide students with an ability to explore creativity in ways not previously possible. Most important, 3D printing activities connect students with numerous subjects and areas of interest, including ways to design accessible tactile books. During the ML Public Library Makerspace 3D Makeathon, students will experience and learn how good accessible design is possible with creativity and good planning.”

3D Giving Day was inspired out of the The Build a Better Book project at the University of Colorado. This nonprofit organization works with school and library Makerspaces to engage youth in the design and fabrication of inclusive media, including picture books, games and graphics. Using a variety of different Makerspace tools – including 3D printers, 3Doodlers, laser cutters, sound boards and craft materials – students can design, test and refine tactile and audio projects. 

These products are designed by and for learners with low vision as well as other physical and learning differences. Through the project, students develop technology skills and learn about STEM careers as they design and create multi-modal picture books, graphics and games that can be seen, touched and heard.

The 3D printing industry is projected to be worth $34.8 billion dollars by 2024 with the likes of NASA, Boeing, the auto and healthcare industries all becoming major adopters. 3D printing’s potential advancements could include getting humans to Mars, printing life saving organs and even affordable housing solutions.

WHAT: 3D Giving Day with 3Doodler and Build a Better Book

WHERE: Mountain Lakes Public Library Makerspace (9 Elm Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ)

WHEN: December 7th – 10:00AM-3:00 PM

WHO: Teachers, students and individuals who want to help design tools for learners with visual impairments as well as other physical and learning differences. 

WHY: 3D Giving Day is a celebration that brings together International 3D Printing Day and Giving Tuesday for a first-of-its kind technological, educational and humanitarian celebration. For students, 3D printing is projected to be worth $34.8 billion by 2024 and opens up the pathway for students seeking jobs with many Fortune 500 companies.