BetaBox Provides 3D Technology Applications
Several hundred students at Greer High, Carolina High and Academy, Tanglewood Middle, and Berea Middle Schools gained exciting hands-on experience using Solidworks 3D modeling Software, Printrbot 3D printers, Epilogue laser cutters, and iSense 3D scanners through a program called BetaBox, a mobile prototyping lab that encourages students to use creativity and innovation while problem-solving.
Greer High School students enrolled in Intro to Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, and Project Lead the Way classes participated in BetaBox. At Berea Middle and Tanglewood Middle, students enrolled in Gateway to Technology participated and at Carolina High, students enrolled in Project Lead the Way participated. These are all pre-engineering programs led by Career & Technical Education instructors.
These students were able to see 3D printing, Leap Motion gesture-based technology, and laser cutting in action.
BetaBox was first introduced in Greenville last year at Roper Mountain Science Center’s STEMFest and at three other schools with pre-engineering Career & Technical Education classes (Beck, Sevier, JL Mann).
“Roper Mountain Science Center teamed up with our Career and Technical Education staff to bring these engaging technologies to our students,” said RMSC Director Michael Weeks. “It is inspiring to see how excited they were and how quickly they absorbed new technology. In just a few minutes they learned how to use this technology to make 3D scans. These are the kind of experiences that create the spark and curiosity to interest them in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.”