Portrait of a Young Maker: Jane

I am starting a new blog category.  Every two weeks, I will feature a different young maker from my school who is specifically interested in 3D printing.

This week's maker is:  Jane

Grade: 7th

3D Speciality: TinkerCAD

Favorite 3D printing project so far: Jane enjoyed staffing our first ever booths at this year's Mini-Maker Faire and Bay Area Science Festival.

Jane designed the 3D hearts (pictured at the bottom of this post) that the participants used to create necklaces to wear around the event.

Jane was also called on when a young man from a nearby BASF booth stopped by to ask if we could print a methane molecule.  Undaunted by her yet limited chemistry knowledge, she Googled "methane molecule," created a TinkerCAD molecule, and printed a small model for him to use at his climate change booth!  He was so excited to "upgrade" from his tennis ball and stick model. :)  You can read more about the story in our BASF post.

Other 3D accomplishments: Jane recently had her TinkerCAD design selected to be in an exhibition at the de Saisset Museum in Santa Clara.  Jane recently spent a Saturday morning down at the museum as part of the Serving of Shapes workshop in which participants were asked to "reflect on the history of food in this region or their personal relationships, experiences, and associations with food, and to use those ideas as inspiration for creating digital 3D designs."

Future 3D printing goals: Printing something that moves or snaps together.  (So far, she's tried a multi-part ferris wheel, but it is still a few iterations away from working...)

Jane's advice to those new to 3D printing: "Make something simple to start, but try more complicated things as well."

When did you first identify as a "maker"?:  Jane says she took a few things apart (old speakers, etc.) before BPC, but she was introduced to many of the concepts and skills of making, especially 3D printing, once she began middle school.

Other interests: Music, creative writing, assembling jewelry from repurposed materials.

Category: Portraits