Every week, I spend a disproportionate amount of time prepping for art classes for a K-2 school. While I love every minute of it, no matter how much time and resources I spent, I realize that I am helping only one school of about 120+ students. What about the other schools and students who have no access to art making or no art teachers for that matter? Since creativity is not assessed, the subject of art is often dropped on the wayside.
Intro
BridgeArt pilots 3 art lessons that teach 3D technology to kids, providing them with art kits to make and create; helping them to reinforce learning in art, math, and language arts through play.
Problem
Currently, art is taught at a minimal level at the elementary schools. Current extracurricular programs focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer, Math). Creativity is absent, especially when students are given the same toolkit to make basically the same things.
Although 3D printing technology is available at most schools/libraries, educators don't feel confident in using it, let alone teaching these skills to their students.
Students spent too much time on their devices, creating a disconnect between the physical and digital world.
Solution
-BridgeArt connects the handmade with the digital. Spending time digitally results in a product that could be printed and used in the real world.
-Classroom teachers do not have to spend time outside of class to gather resources. Video demos relieve teachers from having to become experts themselves in order to teach art and technology.
-It utilizes existing 3D technology that is already available at most schools/libraries, or set-up a maker space that teachers and students can continue to use.
-Will attract students who are gifted visual and those students who love technology.
Team
Krystina Castella – consultant for kids products
Hajera Qavi – master teacher/principal
Bonnie Lee – artist & educator
Market size (Total initial market local + first group)
359 Charter Schools in Los Angeles, Principals determine the art budget for their schools. $7,131 per pupil per year; 199,863 students per year
$30,000 – $50,000 budget for art per school per year
12 million industry
MVP what have I proven- physical product + customer/user feedback
-Making art with 3D Technology put the design process into practice.
-Students make connections with the handmade and digital. After students made their bubble wands with 3D printing pens, they were inspired to go outside and test out their products.
-Students who loves technology are inspired to make art, utilizing their skillsets in technology
-It provides another mode for communication
-Teachers/administrators appreciate art lesson that comes in a package with materials and instruction readily provided for them.
Competition
-Kiwi Crate – quality of the kits are inferior; not all parts work correctly
-ArtTrek – everyone makes the same thing; dependent on on-site instruction
-Children's Woodshop– small size woodworking space limited to the San Diego area.
-DabbleDabbleDo – art projects that cater to parents and their kids only
-LA Makerspace – instructions/resources are limited to one-time only. Resources/services could not be replicated.
How am I different
Once program is set-up at a school, it will be sustainable with continual support from BridgeArt.
BridgeArt Kits will be prepared by adults with disabilities, providing for an unseen population.
Plan for Growing
Phase I
Charter schools in the Los Angeles area
199,863 students
Phase II
1,275 Charter schools in California
630,000 students
Phase III
5,997 Charter schools in the United States
2.7 million students
Costs (under construction)
Tier 1 – Already have 3D printer(s) in place 3Doodlers $350.- for a set of 6
Tier 2 – Already have 3D printing pens in place Josef Prusa 3D Printer Kit $700.-
Tier 3 – Start from Scratch
Josef Prusa 3D Printer Kit $700.-
3Doodlers $350.- for a set of 6.
Conclusion
BridgeArt equips classroom teachers to teach art lessons through 3D technology, providing the resources they need through art kits and video lessons.