3D printing in education has many vital applications in primary and secondary schools, universities, libraries, technical colleges, and other educational environments.
3D printing has sparked a positive revolution in the manufacturing industry. Many manufacturers currently utilize 3D printing or additive manufacturing techniques to produce components for airplanes, artificial limbs, and even 3D-printed medications.
Utilizing 3D printing in education not only enhances the learning experience, fosters the development of valuable skills, and encourages greater engagement between students and teachers but also opens doors for innovative applications, including data visualization. Additionally, 3D printing fosters increased imagination and teamwork in problem-solving.
How is 3D Printing in Education Used
In education, there are generally four primary applications for utilizing 3D printing. These include:
- Educating students on 3D printing entails teaching them the fundamentals of how this technology operates and its practical use in various real-life situations, such as enhancing efficiency in industrial operations.
- Educators must educate themselves about 3D printing to effectively integrate it into the curriculum.
- Enhancing the creative abilities and design proficiencies of students
- Printed objects that help students comprehend essential ideas, such as anatomical objects created through 3D printing.
3D Printers in Schools
Incorporating 3D printers into the school curriculum is possible at all levels, from primary to high school. This technology allows teachers to present students with precise physical models, aiding their comprehension of scientific ideas through practical, interactive experiences.
3D-printed items during oral presentations and demonstrations can enhance students’ public speaking skills. These skills are vital when students start working professionally.
Additionally, educators can utilize 3D-printed visualizations to enhance spatial education. Research conducted in China in 2014 discovered that 3D printing in education significantly positively impacted spatial learning.
In general, numerous studies in 3D printing in education highlight the unique learning advantages of 3D printed objects that traditional screen or paper-based learning methods cannot achieve.
The ability to touch and physically examine 3D-printed objects contributes to a better comprehension of the subject matter. Unlike outdated teaching approaches solely relying on textbooks, 3D printing in education encourages a more exploratory and interactive learning experience.
Choosing suitable 3D printers for school purposes is of utmost importance. Schools require reliable printers that can withstand the rigors of daily classroom use while being affordable and easy to operate. Our knowledgeable team can guide you to where to buy a 3D printer.
3D Printing in Universities
At the higher education level, there is a significant opportunity to impart knowledge about how 3D printing technology works. Many universities and colleges at this academic tier have seamlessly integrated modules and assignments related to 3D printing into their engineering, applied science, and diverse programs.
Incorporating dedicated modules focusing on 3D printing within Computer Graphics, Industrial Engineering, and CAD courses underscores the importance of acquiring firsthand expertise in this domain.
In various scientific disciplines, such as mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and robotics, 3D printing offers many opportunities for enriching visual and tactile learning experiences.
Experimental models crafted through 3D printing in education frequently find widespread use in scientific investigations, facilitating practical application and comprehension.
For educational institutions seeking 3D printers, the requisites mirror those of 3D printers for schools. However, a heightened emphasis is placed on functionality and the demand for rapid, dependable printing capabilities.
Teaching 3d Printing
For 3D printing to be used effectively in education, educators must have a solid understanding of the design principles of additive manufacturing and how to operate 3D printers and filaments.
To ensure that students fully benefit from integrating 3D printing into their education, educational institutions must provide teacher training, professional development, and workshops on 3D printing.
3D Printing in Libraries
In the digital age, libraries are no longer just about books. They are adapting to accommodate new technologies and the way people acquire knowledge. Libraries now offer a convenient platform to introduce a wide range of users to 3D printing concepts and advancements.
3D printers in public libraries enhance cooperation and information sharing among individuals keen on exploring and understanding this technology, eliminating obstacles that may hinder their access. Nowadays, numerous libraries offer designated maker spaces with 3D printers accessible to all registered library members.
3D printers in university libraries allow all students, regardless of their major, to have access to this technology instead of limiting its use to 3D printing in engineering education or science departments. Including 3D printers in university libraries contributes to their status as one of the few areas on campus that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across different academic disciplines.
When choosing a 3D printer for a library, opting for a model comparable to the one we suggest for classroom purposes is advisable. It is essential to consider cost, sturdiness, and speed factors. Rest assured, we can provide you with guidance in the right direction.
Primary Ways to Use 3D Printing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Courses
- With the help of drag-and-drop CAD programs, students can construct primary machines by assembling various components.
By utilizing 3D printing in education, students can then bring their designs to life. Consequently, 3D printing is a solid starting point for future engineering endeavors.
- Creating models to stimulate innovation and analytical thinking.
- Allow students to utilize CAD software for problem-solving and create physical prototypes of their models using 3D printing technology.
- Using 3D printing visualizations aids in teaching intricate geometry concepts by enhancing spatial imagination.
To put it briefly, incorporating 3D printing into STEM and STEAM education stimulates the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
These abilities are crucial for individuals to excel in the vital fields of STEM and STEAM in the future.
Purchasing 3D Printers
The cost of 3D printers has decreased, making them more accessible, and their operation has become simpler. Purchasing a 3D Printer for education will enable future generations to develop their creativity and solve various challenges.
Besides purchasing a proper 3D printer, you will also require printing materials like filament. It is crucial to choose a printer that aligns with your school’s financial resources and requirements, and this is where we assist you with our professional guidance.
Project Proposals for Utilizing 3D Printing in Education
The following paragraph summarizes the concepts discussed in the webinar mentioned earlier.
#1 Collaborative or Individual Stop Motion Animations Incorporating 3D Prints as Parts
In this scenario, students receive a specific element to create, such as the background, characters, or buildings. Once they have completed their designs, the teacher can simply press a button on the 3D printer to produce the necessary components for the project.
#2 Designing PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic Presents Several Challenges
Students have to develop designs for navigating the public spaces of the grocery store or for use at home. Afterward, they must share these designs on an open-source community platform, allowing others to create them.
Some examples of such methods include protective covers for shopping cart handles, hooks for masks in cars, or holsters for hand sanitizers.
#3 Collaborative Mosaics or Statues Involve Working Together to Create Works of Art
Each student is responsible for crafting a distinct puzzle component for a figurine or artwork utilizing 3D printing in education. While given guidelines, they are encouraged to infuse their creativity to personalize their contribution.
Once all the designs are complete, the teacher initiates the printing process, and the final project can be put together and exhibited either in the school or at a nearby establishment, allowing the students to admire their creations.
#4 Develop Tools or Art Pieces Specifically Designed to Facilitate Distance Learning
Every student has a designated home spot for online learning and Zoom meetings. Motivate them to develop ideas for organizing or beautifying their learning space to enhance their participation and personal connection.
In addition, encourage them to contact a family member in another household to gain insight into what they could design to improve their study space.
Finally, inspire the class to share their finished designs with the open-source community for the benefit of others.
#5 Encourage Students to Create an “Engagement Box”
Teachers can provide students with a package containing various components, which they can assemble and customize in the comfort of their homes.
This package would consist of a particle photon, a microcontroller, a small number of buttons, a slider, a few pre-set sensors, and possibly an OLED screen for them to assemble.
#6 Ask the Students to Design and Construct Launchers for Legos or Small Objects
Distribute some legos or small bouncy balls to each student and ask them to build a prototype of a “Flinger,” Trebuchet, or Catapult using cardboard. After they have created their cardboard prototypes, they can design their projects for a 3D printer.
After printing the components, the teacher will distribute the parts to the students for assembly and testing. Allocate a specific day for each child to showcase their creation, launch their item, measure the distance it travels, and determine whose design establishes the farthest.
#7 Create 3D Design Models Specifically Tailored for the Visually Impaired
Become a part of the e-NBLE Community and contribute to developing open-source designs to create tactile learning tools for students with visual impairments.
The community is committed to addressing questions about how visually impaired children can tactically recognize specific constellations or gain a sensory understanding of the shape of a giraffe. Visit their blog and encourage the students to draw inspiration from a past design challenge.
#8 Bridge Building Contests
Encourage the students to create a bridge using 3D-printed components. The bridge should be able to cover a specific distance and bear a certain amount of weight. Instead of solely focusing on designing the bridge, allow the students to explore the slicing aspect of the process.
By imposing restrictions on the quantity of material each bridge can utilize, students must calculate the necessary infill volume and the optimal wall thickness.
The teacher will 3D print the students’ designs and assess their performance during a bridge weight test to determine which method can withstand the most significant weight.
#9 Make a Diorama as a Group Project or By Yourself in Your Class
Ask the students to create components for a collaborative diorama project or individual characters and backgrounds. The teacher can then use a 3D printer to produce these designs and provide them to the students in a shoe box.
The students can assemble the pieces at home, paint them, and unleash their creativity.
#10 Create a Marble Run for a Classroom Using Makercase
Direct each student to design a component and stage for a fantastic 3D-printed marble run. Then, organize a gathering to observe the marbles traveling through the design. Remember to explore Makercase for further information.
#11 Encourage Your Students to Design Prosthetics for Animals or Replacement Parts for Broken Toys
You can teach your students about 3D modeling and empathy by giving them small plastic toy animals missing limbs, fins, or horns. Then, they can create replacement parts or prosthetics using their design skills.
Encourage them to 3D print, paint, and attach these parts to their animals, inspiring them to search their homes for broken toys or games with missing pieces and craft replacements using 3D printing or laser cutting.
Conclusion
3D printing in education is fostering creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. It enhances understanding, public speaking skills, and spatial awareness in schools, while universities integrate it seamlessly into diverse programs.
Libraries now offer access to 3D printing, promoting cooperation and knowledge-sharing. Proper teacher training is essential for effective use, and creative projects demonstrate its diverse applications. Overall, 3D printing in education empowers students to develop essential skills, making it a valuable addition to education.
