Fremont Middle School recently enhanced its industrial technology lab with a grant provided by Big Red Keno.

In January, six 3-D printers were purchased with a $7,500 grant provided through the Big Red Keno Science and Math Program.

The middle school was one of 10 elementary and secondary schools located throughout the Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk and Fremont that received grants ranging from $6,000 to $8,000.

aWeare impressed by the variety of projects and programs the recipient schools have developed to enhance math and science curriculum and are pleased that so many students will be encouraged to collaborate, think creatively and actively learn about the world around them.a

Gale Hamilton, executive director of development and secondary operations for the Fremont Public School system, said that the grant allowed yet another outlet for students to learn.

a3-D printing allows students to take their two-dimensional drawings and create three-dimensional prototypes,a Hamilton said.

When the printers first came in, Doescher was able to create an attachment enabling a handicapped student to be able to play the violin a the creation may be displayed in a music magazine, he said.

Doescher said that the learning curve for using the printers isnat extreme.

aThe kids run those 3-D printers without us (teachers) a lot right now,a he said. Most students are used to being close on measurements, but now they have to be completely precise.a

Doescher said that Big Red Kenoas goal of improving student skills is being completely fulfilled.

aIt really is going to improve our math and science skills immensely,a he said.