Students in Innovation & Tech Lab Director Adrienne Gifford’s sixth grade tech class at Open Window School have been learning 3D modeling and printing this year. Ms. Gifford encouraged her students to enter a design into the Future Engineers 3D Printing in Space Challenge. Earlier this year, NASA launched it’s first-ever Zero-G 3D Printer to the International Space Station. To celebrate, NASA created a challenge for students to submit 3D modeled “space tools”.

Sixth grader Sydney Vernon is the Junior Winner of the Future Engineers 3D Printing in Space Challenge. A 3D printer will be donated to her school on behalf of her accomplishment. Sydney’s idea for a “Space Planter” was inspired by a field trip to the Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle, WA. After being announced a finalist in the Future Engineers 3D Printing in Space Challenge, Sydney had an impressive Skype interview with a judging panel including astronaut Dr. Yvonne Cagle, astronaut Reid Wiseman, and Deanne Bell from Design Squad.

See a picture of Sydney’s “Space Planter” design and read about how it works by visiting our website: openwindowschool.org.