So here's an email we received about our campaign...
I know I should probably keep my mouth shut --- but what earthly help is a 3D printer to the social, educational and cultural development of aboriginal students in Cross Lake, Manitoba?
3D printers are used to create car parts, smartphone cases, medical equipment and even artificial organs. Where I work we share a 3D printer between laboratories for research purposes.
Are these aboriginal kids of such low priority that one provides them with entertainment rather than core education -- computers, libraries, tutorials. athletic equipment, guidance to post-secondary education ...?
In my opinion the 3D printer to fashion doodads is a misguided gift.
Our response:
It’s unfortunate that more people don’t understand that 3D printers are more then just toys. Another part of the problem with our society is the assumption that First Nation, Métis and Inuit teenagers aren’t interested in many of the same technologies and trends that other teens are interested in. 3D printers are tools. The International Space Station has a 3D printer because when you are living remotely and something breaks, it’s much faster, easier and cheaper to print a replacement a part instead of waiting on the next shipment to arrive.
At the Children’s Hospital in Boston doctors scan the brains of children that have tumours. They then print a 3D model of the brain and practice brain surgery before operating. An indigenous women recent scanned tools from a museum that were used by her ancestors to traditionally scrap skins. Once she scanned the artifacts she was then able to print out a replica tool and use it as her ancestors had before her. Dental offices use 3D printers to make dentures, and fake teeth. This is a tool that will allow teens to learn new skills that can be transferred to other jobs. These kids are the next brain surgeons, technicians, dentists, engineers and are Canada’s future. Why are people not asking the same question of 3D printers when other schools have them in their classrooms? Shouldn’t all schools have the same tools to enable learning and engage our students? Everywhere!
Students will also be able to print objects in their first language with words written in Cree. And yes, it might be fun, but shouldn’t learning be fun? Using the 3D printer at Downsview you can say the same thing - why should lower income students learn 3D modelling and this technology? Because it’s engaging. They pick it up quick and they can prototype new innovations and designs. Also, in order to 3D print you need to understand who to create 3D models on the computer. This is the same technology used in movies for special effects. Even more career opportunities!
If the Space Station has a 3D printer because it makes living remotely easier - wouldn’t it actually make more sense in a remote community?
Here are some articles that might open your cousins mind a little:
They don’t have a museum, but with a printer they can print artifacts.
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