Students Design Fidgets for Firefighters

Small 3D-Printed Toys Can Help Calm Children

In a unique collaboration to support first responders, students from four FCPS schools have  partnered with the engineering company Bullard to design and 3D-print fidgets that can comfort children in emergencies. Lexington firefighters will also use the multicolored toys for community outreach.  

This initiative empowered our students to apply real-world STEM skills — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — to address an important community need. The assignment at STEAM Academy, Leestown Middle Schools, Rise STEM Academy for Girls, and George Washington Carver STEM Academy for Boys was to produce 1,000 total fidgets. 

“Some have words, and some have textures they can feel,” said third grader Ava Mock. “Mine says ‘Be brave’ and has a star, a heart, and a happy face.” 

Ava and classmates at Rise STEM broke into small groups and used a checklist to make sure their fidgets hit the mark. For instance, each design had to:

• Be in one of the fire safety colors (red, black, white, blue, or yellow)
• Include a fire safety element or Lexington Fire Department initials
• Incorporate a calming element and move properly as a fidget, to help relieve stress

As a crucial partner in this multi-location project, Bullard provided expertise in engineering, 3D printing, and teamwork. Rich Reel, the company’s product development manager, coordinated their volunteers so that each school received three visits from a dedicated Bullard team. These professionals offered valuable, hands-on coaching and support. They also illustrated for our students the diversity of STEM careers including systems engineer, CAD designer, product development mechanical engineer, and rotational engineer.

Additionally, Bullard donated filament to print fidgets. Our district's new Fab Lab, available to all teachers thanks to a grant from the Kloiber Foundation, is handling the majority of the final step. 

“Being exposed to design engineering at their age is a great opportunity,” said Jason Williams, an industrial designer. He also commended the project for bringing together students from various grade levels to problem-solve and work toward a common goal. 

Students from each participating school will be on hand Sunday, Oct. 5, when the fidgets are presented to firefighters during the city’s Fire Prevention Festival, which runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at Masterson Station Park.