What began as a personal project for 13-year-old Lois Agnello has blossomed into a collaborative endeavor at The Nature School in Port Macquarie, New South Wales. Born with only part of her left hand, Lois approached her science and technology teacher with an idea: to use the school’s 3D printer to create a prosthetic hand.
“Being born without a hand doesn’t really stop me,” Lois explained. “I wanted to create my own hand with my friends so I could show them what it’s like.”
Lois, who had been using a prosthetic hand since she was eight, inspired her classmates and teacher Lloyd Godson with a video about her journey. This sparked a collective interest among her peers, leading to a significant educational project.
From Concept to Creation
The students accessed an open-source design from the Australian charity Free 3D Hands and embarked on a three-month journey of lunchtime meetings and material trials. Their goal was to print and assemble a functional 3D-printed hand.
“It really struck a chord with a bunch of her peers,” Mr. Godson noted. “We were all super excited about it.”
The initial prototype, operated by upper-arm activity via a plastic wrist, was a basic yet functional model capable of picking up objects. “I was like, ‘Oh my god this is crazy,'” Lois said, expressing her surprise at the success of their efforts.
The Learning Curve
For many students, this project marked their first experience with 3D printing technology. Mr. Godson described the process as a “big learning curve,” emphasizing the students’ dedication to experimenting with different fibers and enhancing the design.
“Most of them had never used a 3D printer before,” Mr. Godson said.
Continuous Improvement and Collaboration
Since the first model, the students have collaborated with Free 3D Hands to refine their design, producing three more advanced versions. The focus has shifted towards improving the comfort and usability of the prosthetic.
Free 3D Hands founder Mat Bowtell praised the students’ enthusiasm, stating, “They were very enthusiastic in being a part of the brainstorming process in regard to what we might be able to improve in the next design.”
Student Wren McDowell shared her excitement about the project, saying, “It makes me feel pretty good, because we are designing loads of different styles.”
Joel Banwell added, “I felt fairly good that Lois was able to get a hand that worked and it made me want to make one that was even better.”
Reaching the Global Stage
The project has gained international recognition, earning a spot at the Be the Change Summit in Japan. This global initiative brings together young leaders to showcase projects addressing global challenges such as climate change, mental health, and inequality.
Mr. Godson expressed his pride, saying, “To see her in Tokyo talking about her limb difference and how Mr. Bowtell’s work had helped her and others would be incredible.”
Lois hopes to inspire others with her story, encouraging them to pursue similar projects in their own countries. “Other kids will be like, ‘Woah, that’s cool — like, can I try that?'” she said.
Implications and Future Prospects
This project not only highlights the potential of 3D printing technology in creating affordable prosthetics but also underscores the importance of collaborative learning and innovation in education. As the students continue to refine their designs, they are contributing to a broader movement towards accessible and customizable prosthetic solutions worldwide.
Looking ahead, the students and their mentors are optimistic about the potential impact of their work. By sharing their experiences and insights at international platforms like the Be the Change Summit, they hope to inspire a new generation of young innovators to tackle challenges with creativity and determination.
