Simply using corn-based bioplastic, a couple of screws, fishing line, and tiny rubber bands, a Kentucky teacher changed one of his student’s lives, without ever leaving his classroom.
Scott Johnson, a STEAM teacher at Red Cross Elementary School, noticed four years ago that one of his kindergarten students, Jackson Farmer, was missing a hand. Jackson wore a rubber one for looks, but it didn’t work. So, Johnson got an idea.
He didn’t need a cape or superpowers, just a 3D printer.
Whenever he had spare time, Johnson tinkered with a design for a simple, lightweight prosthetic that Jackson could actually use. He leaned on a global network called E-Nable, full of people sharing 3D-printed prosthetic designs, and started building.
“I never wanted him to feel like he had something heavy on his wrist; I want him to be able to play, so it’s pretty lightweight,” Johnson said.
For months, Johnson worked quietly. He didn’t even tell Jackson or his family about the project in case it didn’t work out. But it did. After 25 hours of printing and 4 hours of assembly, a small, functional hand emerged—no batteries or wires needed.
When Jackson flexes his wrist, the fishing-line fingers close. When he relaxes, they open. The whole thing costs just $20–$30 to make, and if any part breaks, it can simply be printed again.
By the time the hand was ready, Jackson was in fourth grade, and ready to try it on.
“It felt great. It felt like it was just right,” Jackson said. “(My favorite thing is) trying to write (with the hand) … I’m not that good, but I try.”
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