Contest Giving Away 3D Printers to Schools

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 03/31/15
Lulzbot TAZ 5

Lulzbot TAZ 5

Schools have until April 5 to vie for one of 20 3D printers being given away by open source proponent Aleph Objects. The company's Lulzbot TAZ 5 sells for $2,200 and can print an object that's 11.7 inches by 10.8 inches by 9.8 inches.

Unlike many sub-$3,000 3D printers, this unit can print in more than ABS plastic; it accommodates wood filled filaments, polyester, bronze and copper filled filaments, polycarbonate, nylon and other materials. Also, the company encourages its customers to copy, modify and convert any of its hardware and software.

It continues that theme of openness in its product give-away. Any accredited grade school, community college, college, university or library can enter as long as they meet four requirements:

  • They own an educator-operated physical space with access to a computer;
  • They have some idea about how they'd integrate a LulzBot into the class projects;
  • They believe "in sharing resources and knowledge to build and make things"; and
  • They encourage the use of free software and open source hardware.

The entry form asks for particulars.

Further details are available on the contest site.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.