September 23, 2020

Today in class we had a guest speaker, Mr.Terry, from a company called Katapult. He gave a presentation about everything he has accomplished, the skills he learned, and what Katapult is all about. He told us about the makerspace program and all the interesting machines and materials they provide such as a wazer (water laser), PRUSE MK3, MK3S, Mini, lasers, a Roland vinyl cutter, etc. This program allows the public asses to tools, collaboration, and classes. At Katapult, people are able to work on “AND” projects, which I didn’t catch exactly what they are but Mr. Terry shared different projects that are revolving around the use of a 3D printer. For example, someone is using it to create funnel cakes, another person is creating a house, and another is using the 3D printer to create a 3D printer! Who knew that such a simple machine can be used in the execution of such ideas. Another project was the creation of a drone that would scan grass strips for airplane landings in South Africa and then use that data to create more efficient and safer landing strips. Students were able to share their projects ideas with him and get some feedback. When he asked if anyone was in a slump, I knew it was my call to share my idea(haha). He helped to expand my horizons even more to more ideas and paths that I could take. The further I continue through this project, the more I realize the amount of other doors that could be opened for me.