TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) — Students from 14 school teams, including three in the Magic Valley, participated recently in a 3D design and fabrication competition.

The event, called 2016 Idaho FabSLAM Showcase conducted by the Idaho STEM Action Center and Digital Harbor Foundation at the Discovery Center of Idaho, saw several teams and 76 students who participated.

Teams identified a problem in their community that could be addressed using 3D printing and digital fabrication and then developed a solution. The teams presented to a panel of judges and a public audience for review and feedback.

First-place honors went to Lone Star Middle School’s GT.E.A.M in Nampa; second-place to the ElemEngineers from Boise’s Hawthorne Elementary School; and third-place to Coder Bunnies from Kuna Middle School.

Schools from Magic Valley that participate included Kimberly Middle School, Jerome Middle School, and O’Leary Middle School.

The winning teams received cash prizes to help continue funding STEM learning in their schools.

“STEM skills and knowledge are needed for critical and creative thinking, problem solving, innovation, and collaboration,” said Angela Hemingway, executive director of  STEM Action Center.

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