Teacher Innovates with 3D-Printed Prosthetic for Student

Jackson Farmer, a fourth-grade student at Red Cross Elementary School in Glasgow, Kentucky, was born without a right hand. His journey took a significant turn when Scott Johnson, a STEAM educator at the school, decided to create a functional prosthetic hand for him using 3D printing technology. Johnson, who had developed a close bond with Farmer since he was in kindergarten, was inspired to help after observing Farmer's use of a non-functional rubber hand.

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Over the course of a year, Johnson dedicated his free time to developing a prototype, collaborating with the online community E-Nable, which specializes in creating low-cost prosthetics. After numerous trials and consultations with an engineer from Denmark, Johnson successfully created a working model that was lightweight and operated through the movement of Farmer's wrist.

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The final prosthetic hand took approximately 25 hours to print, with an additional four hours required for assembly. Unlike traditional prosthetics that rely on batteries, this device uses a simple mechanical system powered by wrist movement. The fingers are connected with fishing lines and a fulcrum lever, allowing them to open and close as Farmer flexes his wrist. Made from corn plastic and featuring rubber fingertips, the prosthetic is designed for comfort and usability, costing between $20 and $30 to produce.

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Farmer expressed his excitement about the prosthetic, stating, “It felt great. It felt like it was just right,” and noted that he enjoys trying to write with it, despite still developing his skills. The device has provided him with newfound independence, enabling him to engage more fully in school activities.

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Johnson's innovative project not only benefited Farmer but also served as a valuable learning experience for all students in the STEAM lab. As Johnson was recognized as the 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, he emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment where students of varying abilities can thrive. He stated, “We don’t treat our content as a subject or a means to a grade, but rather as information for life.”

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Looking ahead, Farmer will have access to the printing files for his prosthetic, allowing him to create new parts as he grows. Johnson noted that Farmer's ability to independently manage his prosthetic in the future is a testament to the educational goals they strive for at Red Cross Elementary.

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• “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,” — Scott Johnson, STEAM Teacher

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• “It just makes me feel like, ‘yay, I get to do stuff on my own,’” — Jackson Farmer, Student

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• “In the end, Jackson will be able to do all this work without me,” — Scott Johnson, STEAM Teacher

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The collaboration between Scott Johnson and Jackson Farmer exemplifies the potential of educational innovation to address real-world challenges. Through the use of 3D printing technology, Johnson has not only enhanced Farmer's quality of life but has also fostered an environment of creativity and problem-solving among his students.

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