MERIDIAN — As we cruise closer to the 2020's, students are seeing an important focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. As the Stem-centered curriculum continues gaining momentum, Treasure Valley students are taking it to the competitive level.
Kids from all over the Treasure Valley had a chance to show off their 3-D design skills today as part of the Fab Slam Competition Showcase.
Teachers are given a 3-D printer and training which they bring back to their classrooms.
"As they start off with 3-D printing and 3-D design, they know nothing and over time slowly after working hard and hard and they're just not getting it, they have that light bulb moment where they suddenly get it," said Aaron Martin, teacher, Kimberly Middle School.
Back in October, teams were asked to identify a natural resources problem in their communities and create a solution using three dimensional design. Those designs are presented to judges.
"What we are doing is we are collecting dead markers and then we are sending them off to crayola and what crayola does is they recycle them or they put new ink in them," said Elizabeth Scheafer, Kuna Middle School.
The idea behind the event is to introduce kids to stem ideas in a way they can apply it to their own lives.
"My favorite part is putting it together because we to like design it on fusion and then we all put in like a little bit, like a lot of hard work and we all worked as a team when we did it," said Scheafer.
Kids from 19 different Treasure Valley schools competed in the event.
"You don't get the opportunity to do 3-D printing and design especially in Southern Idaho, but I am so glad that the fab slam team and the stem, it's getting going and we're having these competitions, because this is one thing that they'll be able to take with them for the rest of their life and that's just priceless," said Martin.
The Stem Action Center will host the North Idaho Fab Slam Showcase later this month in Coeur D'Alene.
More than 200 students across Idaho are participating in the event this year
