Eric Adam – La Conner Elementary – La Conner School District
Project Title: “Expanding Technology Scope to 3D”

Eric Adam is part of a three-member technology leadership team at La Conner School District. About three years ago, the team began a conversation focused on applied technology for students. They knew that if they could make the connection and teach how technology can help to solve real-world problems, it would help students to understand and embrace innovative technology. Eric collaborated with Marcus Knowles, who is currently a science teacher in the Anacortes School District, and together they landed on a laser cutter engraver to help students learn, create, and do 3D problem-solving. Eric said, “By creating custom items or digital artwork, understanding the design cycle, and design thinking, students can work through a concept and produce solutions. Students can then test them, design, test, refine and cycle through that process. The district purchased a laser engraver on Amazon, but found we couldn’t do as much with it as we had hoped.”

Then, last year, Eric received an email about the Ellison Foundation grant opportunity and thought it was time to make the technology upgrade a reality for the students. He worked closely with his team and the district business office to apply for the grant.

With grant funding, the district was able to purchase and upgrade the “Boss Laser LS-1416” engraver and the supplies to support it. Starting this fall, Eric plans to introduce K-5 students to 3D design solutions. Students will use the laser cutting and engraving machine as a tool to transform the technology lab allowing students to solve 3D dimensional problems. Eric feels this equipment could bring a lot of opportunities for the district, like partnering with the PTA to create items for fundraisers. The district is open to connecting with community partners and is in need of supply donations such as plexiglass and plywood for student projects and practice.

Four NWESD Schools were named as 2021 recipients of Ellison Education Grants. This year the foundation funded 15 grants worth $75,000.