Chester, NJ (6/15/24) – West Morris Central High School is pleased to announce it has received a $4,945 STEM grant from the Toshiba America Foundation (TAF). These funds supported the 3-D Printing and Service Learning Projects completed by students in the Technology and Engineering Department. The funds for this grant have been used to purchase Bambu X1 Carbon 3-D printers and an array of different filaments, including PLA, PLA Tough, TPU, and PLA Carbon fiber.
West Morris Central Technology and Engineering students ranging from grades 9-12 and have been expertly designing and 3-D printing during the 2023-2024 school year. Architecture, Design and Engineering students have made their ideas come to life by redesigning the courtyard outside of the art room into a beautiful rain garden. Following the design criteria set by Principal Timothy Rymer, the students constructed 3-D models of the space, complete with landscaping and 3-D printed, fountains, rain collection systems, aqueducts, benches, tables, and stairs. Additionally, 3-D Modeling and Engineering students developed original ergonomic, aesthetic, and functional prototypes, drew them, and 3-D printed the finished products. Some of these devices include a self-watering component for a Christmas tree, a refillable pen, a garbage can latch to keep bears out, and a tray with designated inserts for skeining yarn. Design Technology IB/SL students utilized the 3-D printer for their IB design projects, these included a segmented water bottle that holds two different beverages and a charging device that charges while pedaling. The students in all three courses, conducted surveys from potential users for their products. The IB students completed a redesign of the projects based on their evaluation testing. The project goals were all similar, design and build a device/model that helps the WMC community.
Toshiba America Foundations' grants fund projects designed by individual classroom teachers. This “direct-to-teacher” approach brings immediate results. Teachers are able to change the way they teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based approaches to the curriculum. At TAF, we believe that STEM is a lot more fun than just reading a textbook. TAF grants provide teachers with the tools they need to be more effective educators. The grants make the classroom a more exciting place for both teachers and students.
West Morris Central High School is part of the West Morris Regional High School District, and serves students from Long Valley which is a part of Washington Township. WMC is an International Baccalaureate School, which contains both diploma and career programs. Students in both the Diploma program and STEM Career Pathway take Technology and Engineering courses to fulfill their requirements.
About Toshiba America Foundation
Founded in 1990 with support from Toshiba Corporation and the Toshiba America Group Companies, Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) is a non-profit grant making organization dedicated to helping classroom teachers make STEM learning fun and successful for K to 12 students in U.S. schools. TAF grants support public and nonprofit private schools throughout the United States. For more information, please visit: www.toshiba.com/taf.