Science Center Steps Up During Coronavirus Pandemic
Over 1,000 3-D Printed Face Shields Delivered Throughout The County
Mr. Rogers famously said that, during difficult times, look for the helpers.
Some of them can be found at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, which recently stepped up to provide more than 1,000 3-D printed face shields to first responders amid a lack of PPE. Educators delivered the protective equipment to front-line workers and other nonprofits throughout Palm Beach County and even as far as Orlando. Organizations such as the West Palm Beach Fire and Police Departments, FoundCare, Boca Regional and the Palm Beach Zoo were included in distribution.
Science Center educators typically spend their days teaching budding scientists to use the more than a dozen 3-D printers that the organization keeps in its Stiles-Nicholson STEM Education Center. Chris Ortiz and Chris Pait worked with volunteers and used a web-based CAD program typically used to help students learn the skills needed to manipulate 3-dimensional objects in a 2-dimensional workspace.
“We were grateful to use the time we were quarantined to help others in our community,” says Kate Arrizza, president and CEO of the Science Center, in a press release. “Safety is our top priority, and we were happy to step up to fill this great need.”
The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation was a major funder of the 3D printing project.
“The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation enthusiastically supports the Science Center’s mission,” says David Nicholson, a trustee and supporter of the foundation, in a press release. “We owe the improvements in our quality of life to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), and the Science Center is delighted to help our neighbors in this time of need. The 3-D printing of face shields is just a small example of coupling modern technology with creativity to create solutions for today's challenges. The greater the number of students who choose STEM as a career, the faster progress will be made to resolve these medical and other challenges.”
For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit sfsciencecenter.org.