A Classroom Visit from Toybox

Olimpico Learning would like to thank the Toybox team, Ben Baltes and Jenn Chin for visiting our 3D Printing and Design class at Voices College Bound Language Academy. Toybox is the maker of a portable and easy-to use 3D printer for all ages. Check out their printer here:

Toybox: 3D printer for kids

Although we live in San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by the biggest tech companies in the world, young students in underserved schools rarely have the chance to interact with the technologists and engineers behind the tech. It was a real treat for our students to meet the founders behind Toybox and hear about their stories.

As a teacher, I am excited about Toybox as it is one of the first 3D printers that is classroom ready. The printer has been designed with children’s safety and ease of use in mind:

• An app that allows students to get engaged quickly by drawing a simple design and watch as it prints. This can be useful for piquing student interest before they have the skills and knowledge base to create more complex designs.
• The Toybox printer comes with a removable, flexible bed. Students can easily print, and work with the machine without the need for other tools such as scrapers and palette knives.
• No exposed wiring and safe materials. Toybox prints in PLA, so it is safe for use in the classroom with no need for air venting.
• As an added bonus, the small size and robust frame of the printer allows for easy transport between classrooms as needed. This makes it ideal for school enrichment programs.

Here are some more pictures from our class visit!

The Toybox printer, and custom designed toys.

Students were able to quickly and easily design a custom drawing using the Toybox app, and have it printed, all during the span of the lesson.

Thanks Ben and Jenn!