A year-long competition testing students’ ability to design and engineer products that can help address real-world problems culminated recently with the 2017-18 ocMaker Challenge.
Teams of students from dozens of schools across Orange County showcased STEM-based designs that promoted creativity and innovation on May 11 and 12. Industry judges came to the event at Chapman University and evaluated the projects, awarding cash prizes and certificates to the top entries.
Students started their work in October with the directive to “Design and build or significantly repurpose a product that solves a problem, a need, or a want.”
Projects included a 3D printed prosthetic hand controlled by a glove, and a seeing eye hat that gave an extra pair of eyes for people who are visually impaired.
The annual event is organized by the Orange County Department of Education’s Career Technical Education Partnership, or CTEp. It’s promoted by CTEoc/Vital Link, with cash prizes provided by sponsors including Airwolf 3D, MatterHackers and the Anaheim Ducks.