HUMBLE, Texas – First grader Joshua Shanks was born without his left hand. While it was normal to him, it caused concern among his peers in school. A group of fifth-graders stepped in to help.
Josh was presented with a custom 3-D printed prosthetic hand created by a fifth-grade class at Lakeshore Elementary in Humble Independent School District.
In the process of learning about 3-D printers, their uses and companies who use them, these kids decided to take their class project and make a real life impact.
Though it's not the most advanced of prosthetics, Josh's parents believe the students learned much more than how to use a 3-D printer.
"It's even just really endearing to watch them work with him. Like, we haven't been a part of the whole process since they've done it here at school, but to see them working with him today, you know, asking, 'Does it hurt?' 'Here, let me help you,' just giving him attention," Joshua's mother Heather Shanks said. "It just, it's really nice. It's good to see these kids have a heart for others."
The fifth graders even took the time to personalize the design on Josh's prosthetic making it Spider-Man themed.