As February turned to March, the students of Mrs. Yamamoto-Edward's Anatomy Major class were busy making hands.
The "3D Printed Hands Project" was a new project introduced to the Anatomy curriculum this year. It utilizes the capabilities of two high quality 3-D printers Punahou acquired a couple of years ago.
Mrs. Yamamoto's second semester students were the first to ever experience this very unique and groundbreaking project.The "3D Printed Hands Project" was a new project introduced to the Anatomy curriculum this year. It utilizes the capabilities of two high quality 3-D printers Punahou acquired a couple of years ago.
Mrs. Yamamoto says she stumbled upon this project idea while looking for "pop-up makery" ideas.
"I just happened to be doing some research one day on 'makeries' and how to tell the story of what you learn. In doing so, I came across this organization, 'e-Nabling the Future.' I clicked on the link and saw the pictures of 3-D hands. Knowing that we had 3-D printers and people who knew how to use them, I decided to go for it and try this new project in my Anatomy class."
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| The 3-D printer on display at the Luke Center. |
Mrs. Yamamoto notes, "I have been intrigued by the idea of having students make something for a real audience. I think it's much more valuable for students to make something that serves a real purpose -- to help someone out -- rather than a piece of paper or poster that just goes to me, the teacher."
The scene in M-102 could only be described as "harmonious chaos" as students rushed back and forth finding pieces and using tools to secure or adjust strings and joints. The energy was palpable as pieces slowly began to take the shape of hands.
Students have enjoyed the project and had much positive feedback to share. Stephanie Iwasaki '16 said, "I thought it was a great experience because it allowed us to use technology to build something to help other kids in need."
Daniel Ota '16 also commented, "This was all really new to me. I didn't know you could make something like this with a 3D printer. I also liked the fact that we could customize our hands with different colors to make it more fun for the kids that receive them."
Students were given four different color options for any of the parts, so each hand would look a little different.
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| Mrs. Yamamoto holds a completed 3-D printed hand and an "e-Nabling" logo clip she printed herself. |
Mrs. Yamamoto hopes this project will allow students to make connections all over the globe.
"It was amazing to see [Google Plus e-Nable community]. This kid in Bolivia needs a hand, these people in Indiana are helping someone in Tennessee. Using the power of online technology and connecting people . . . there's so much power in that."
Once the final hands are finished, e-Nable will ensure the 11 hands will find their way to children in need all around the world.
- Dane Itomura '16
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