Future Engineers have teamed up with NASA to create a competition encouraging American school-kids to get involved in 3D design. The competition is targeted for K-12 students in the U.S and the task is to design a Medical 3D print for the Journey to Mars. Entrants do not need to own a 3D printer or even have any expertise in the field, Future Engineers just ask the entrants to engage in the design process and spur their creativity. The competition is accompanied with a video which explains the competition with use of impressive imagery and graphics.
Gif from Mars Medical Challenge video.
The entries must be designs that are no larger than 6in x 6in, so designs must be able to function in a scaled down size this small. Competition was launched on 26th October and the winners will be announced on 28th March 2017. The prizes for the competition include the donation of a MakerBot, four finalists in each age category will win a MakerBot Replicator Mini+ 3D printer donation to their school. While the grand prize for each age category is a trip to Houston and a tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center.
It is hoped that successful entries will help to advance long-term human space exploration with a priority in the medical field. Possible designs could be intended for a variety of medical functions such as first-aid, diagnosis, emergency medical needs, preventative purposes, and perhaps even dental purposes. 3D printing is a popular method explored for STEAM education. Some Australian schools have utilized 3D printing in Biology and MakerBot has recently announced that is will be collaboration with teachers in India. It’s not the first time NASA has done a competition to crowd-source possible ideas either. Their most recent Mars challenge asked designers to create concepts for possible red-planet habitats.
Find out more about the Mars competition and how to enter by visiting the Future Engineers website.
Featured image from Future Engineers.
