In the heart of Kentucky, an elementary school teacher proved that technology can change a child’s life. Scott Johnsonteacher of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) at Red Cross Elementary School, has in fact transformed his classroom into a small laboratory of innovation and solidarity.
It all started when he noticed that one of his students, Jackson Farmer, he wore a functionless rubber handworn only to appear “complete”. Johnson, armed with curiosity and a practical spirit, decided to use 3D printers of the school to create something better: a real, light and functional hand.
The collaboration that made the impossible possible
After months of attempts, studies and nights spent planning, the teacher found the E-Nable network the key to making it. It’s one global community of volunteers which uses 3D printing to create low cost prosthetics. Thanks to the advice of engineers from around the world, Johnson perfected his design, building a modular hand made in corn bioplastic, screws, fishing lines and small rubber bands.
The whole device is cost between 20 and 30 dollarsweighs very little and does not require batteries. Its operation is mechanical: when Jackson bends his wrist, the fingers closeand when it relaxes him, yes they reopen. A simple, but ingenious system.
Jackson’s joy
When the hand was ready, after 25 hours of printing And 4 hours of assemblyJohnson handed it to his student, now in fourth grade. Jackson, excited, said that “it looked perfectFrom that moment he was able to grasp objects, play and even try writing.
Today they are in the school’s STEAM laboratory spare parts and new prototypes. Jackson learned to 3D print yourself and will bring the project files with him, so he can reproduce the hand when he grows up. A lesson that goes beyond technology: with creativity, empathy and a few filaments of plastic, a teacher showed what it really means to innovate for the common good.
