Learning
3D Printers Bridging Theory and Practice
“The machines and tools have made my ideas go from paper sketches to reality. The 3D printers allow me to create functional and detailed creations. The skills that take most college students their whole first year to learn, I have learned in Mr.Glaser’s engineering class in high school. Due to this advantage I can push the boundaries with my creativity and complexity of my projects.”
— Cory McMillin, Turpin engineering student
February’s Mission Moment highlights Mr. Glaser from Turpin High School, and his Teacher Grant for 3D printers from the Forest Hills Foundation. With the grant, he was able to purchase 3D printers for his classroom and the Intro to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering and Engineering Applications courses.
“As soon as we got 3D printers we were able to start creating some stuff, that’s when it took off and got really, really interesting. Students enjoyed the class a lot more.” Mr Glaser explains the process of how designing within the 3D printer works, and how it compares to the way students used to learn. “The idea and ability to 3D print the students’ CAD designs was the catalyst.”
Students put their new skills to use by solving real-world problems. Cory McMillin, enrolled in both Engineering and Ceramics and Sculpture, recognized a need for specialized tools and designed them using the 3D printer. This provided the art class with the tools they needed, and a practical application to use and design with CAD and the printer.
Similarly, Ben Hillerich applied the 3D printer to the Robotics team, fabricating essential components for their robot and ladder. “Using the skills I learned in this class I modeled the whole thing so we could build the robot.”
Students agree that learning from the engineering courses and the connected tools and technologies are vital for college and career readiness. “I learned so many skills on those computers, and I feel that I’m at an advantage going into college having experience that others don’t have.” says Henry Reul.
Through the generosity of our donors, the Forest Hills Foundation is able to award teacher grants that bring impactful projects to fruition. These grants provide vital funding for tools, services, and professional development, enabling teachers to deliver richer, more engaging lessons that would otherwise be unattainable. We deeply appreciate our community’s continued support, which allows us to place these powerful learning tools directly into the hands of our students, fostering hands-on, connected learning experiences.
Since 2008, the FH Foundation has awarded over $1 million in Teacher Grants at all 9 schools across the district. We are proud to support our front-line educators that empower and impact students on a daily basis. Your donations directly impact hundreds of FHSD staff each year.
The Foundation connects students to resources designed to help them prepare for the college of their choice.
College Essay Writing Workshop
Registration is now open for the 2025 College Essay Writing Workshop.
Friday, June 6th
Nagel Middle School
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
FHFE and Riverbend Education Solutions, LLC are providing an opportunity for rising high school seniors to attend a four-hour workshop devoted to brainstorming essay topics and developing relevant essay structure. The goal of the workshop is for each student to leave with either a solid outline or first draft of a main personal statement and have the tools to develop more. The workshop is held in June and current Anderson HS and Turpin HS rising seniors can register in the Spring.
