3D Printing

There are many different and interesting ways to incorporate 3D printing within the classroom! Below are some ways that 3D printing is effective:

1) 3D printing makes learning active – Students are said to learn best when they are interacting and applying their skills towards something. 3D printers give students this experience because it is a hands-on tool. These type of printers encourage teachers to create activities that can take concepts from theoretical to practical. For example, a great biology lesson would be for students to create an anatomical heart.

2) Encourage real-world understanding – According to this website, https://resourced.prometheanworld.com/use-3d-printers-classroom/, a trainee teacher developed a 3D bee prototype in hopes of increasing the bee population. 3D printers put learning into a student’s real-world environment, and students can see the importance behind lessons in real-world problem-solving!  

3) Boost digital engagement – Students become way more engaged in a lesson if they are interacting and involved. 3D printing allows this to happen when students are involved in a hands-on activity such as using and learning how to use a 3D printer.

Some examples of how 3D printers are being used are below:

1) Create interactive maps – Real-life cities and maps can be created by students with a 3D printer. Also, students can create historical locations with a 3D printer!

2) Create a human skeleton and/or internal organs – As previously mentioned, students are able to create anatomical models so that they can understand and teach others about the parts of the human body.

3) Create real-life structures – Students are able to build world-famous buildings such as the White House, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc.

As you can see, 3D printing is not only a great tool for students to use, but they are also an essential tool in order to unleash a student’s learning and creativity!