What is the ocMaker Challenge?
The ocMaker Challenge is no ordinary science fair. Instead, this engaging educational event is an integrated STEM project that incorporates elements of art and design by requiring students to design and manufacture a product. The ocMaker Challenge prompt is, “Design and build, or significantly repurpose, a product that will solve a problem, need or want.”
Organized and promoted by the Orange County Department of Education and CTEoc (Career Technical Education of Orange County) and supported by Vital Link, the ocMaker Challenge is a student 3D-printing competition that ignites students’ interest in STEM subjects. Airwolf 3D proudly serves as the event’s main sponsor and has the honor of providing the prize money for the ocMaker Challenges.
What are the benefits of participating in the ocMaker Challenge?
One of the biggest benefits of having students participate in the ocMaker Challenge is that it gets kids excited about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. By combining a fun, cutting-edge technology like 3D printing with the opportunity to invent something useful, students realize that they can create virtually anything. Only their imagination limits what they can invent. And let’s face it. The ability to 3D-print a handy object is pretty darn cool.
Getting kids passionate about STEM is the first step towards preparing them for successful careers in the digital age. According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, job growth in STEM fields is growing at 17% while other fields have slowed to 9.8% growth. Plus, it has been found that those who have a degree in STEM make more money, even in non-STEM careers. Not to mention, today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators and inventors. The better we prepare our kids, the better we prepare ourselves to remain a world leader in the global economy.
How to compete in the ocMaker Challenge
To compete in this annual event, students must be enrolled in a school in Orange County, CA. Simply fill out the ocMaker Challenge Interest List, so you can be contacted regarding the next challenge.
For further information, keep an eye on this page, where we’ll post ocMaker Challenge news and deadlines!
Visit ocMaker Challenge to learn more!
Are you from a different county or state, but are interested in bringing a maker challenge to your school? We can help; we’ll even provide the prize money! Click here to learn more about hosting your own 3D printer maker challenge.
Find out how to host your own 3D Printer Maker Challenge and receive a FREE 3D Printing Curriculum!
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Learn more about 3D Printer Competitions:
- ocMaker Challenge 2016 winners | Stem and 3D Printing
- ocMaker Challenge 2016 | 3D Printing for Education
- ocMaker Challenge 2015 and STEM Showcase
- Recognizing Airwolf 3D Printers in STEM education
- Airwolf 3D presents School 3D Printing classes in Irvine, CA!
- Warner Bros. 3D Printing Hackathon 2016 – Airwolf 3D Printers
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