ANKENY, Iowa — Students at Prairie Ridge Middle School have been learning how to 3D print in art class, all to promote inclusivity in the school's music program.
Recently, Prairie Meadows gave the school a $7,200 grant, helping them build two 3D printers. Now, the school is putting them to good use.
Over the past few months, art teacher Kevin McColley and his seventh grade students have hand-drawn designs and used computer software to create an "adaptable" maraca for the school's special needs students.\
McColley thought of the idea when another teacher asked him for help, as special needs students were having a hard time holding onto the current maracas.
So, in partnership with the school's band director, McColley and his students finalized a design for a maraca with a detachable strap, ensuring wrist security, which allows more room for participation from special needs students in music classes.
Prairie Ridge student Chad Fox designed the instrument and his classmate Jack Elliott brought it to life.
"It helps out people by making it so they can still participate in class they might not be able to," Elliott said.
Fox adds the whole design project shows how much he, his classmates and McColley all care about other students at the school.
Prairie Ridge Middle School's band director requested McColley's class 3D print more hand percussion instruments in the next academic year.
As for this year, McColley's students will distribute the finished maracas to students in the special needs program and students in the music programs after winter break.