Class last week was very informative for me. I had a brief knowledge of 3D printing from working in the lab the previous semester. 3D printing is making its way into almost everything from medicine to automobiles. I had no idea that there was a “Maker Movement” going on. After reading Dale Dougherty’s article, it brought what is really going on in the world to my attention. The Maker Movement encompasses not only what people are 3D printing in new and different ways, but also people are creating environments to spur creativity in people of all ages.

One thing from Dale’s article that I think will have a major impact will be changing the way in which children learn. Education now has standardized tests and strict guidelines. There is no room for creativity. By implementing creative opportunities into the school system, it will allow children to be as creative as they want to be without being graded or trying to fit into a standard that is the accepted correct answer. Maker spaces will involve more project and idea based learning that will help children develop to reach their full potential.

I was unaware of the maker space that was on campus, the Fablab. Jeff Ginger presented what the Fablab did in the community. It is a perfect example of a Maker Space. It is like a playground for creativity, it has all the tools you would need to make and come up with new ideas.

I think people see how creativity is lacking. There is a need to make and come up with new and different ideas. More makers will make a difference in their individual lives and in their community. I think all ages being involved in the Maker Movement is important because everyone can be creative no matter how old they are. Yes, children are the future, but I do not think that the older generations are a lost cause. Everyone is a maker.

The four everyday objects from Thingiverse are a fork, a clothes hanger, a mug, and glasses. Typically every meal I eat i use a fork. The fork I found on Thingiverse looked good except it did not have a curve in it to make it easier for me to use while eating. The next item is a clothes hanger. I would add a curve into the hanger where the clothing usually sits and add a rigid design to create texture so the clothes are less likely to fall off. Another item is a mug. When I use a mug I am usually having tea. I would add an extra hook on the outside of the mug so I could wrap my tea bag string around it. If i forget to hold the tea bag while I pour the hot water then the string will not into my mug. The final item I have chosen is a pair of glasses. These glasses need to be portioned better to fit the natural curve of a human’s head because they look as stiff as the 3D glasses you get at the movie theater. These are my modifications I would make to these everyday things found on Thingiverse!