1. How 3D Printing Can Boost Learning?
"Simply put, creation is an act of will." This Jurassic Park remark has never been more
relevant than it is now, thanks to technology. The use of 3D printing and computer-aided
design (CAD) in the classroom enables pupils to create like never before. A young industry,
3D printing has the ability to "print" everything from houses to cars to household products
and much more.
Teachers may use this new technology to smoothly incorporate STEM into any classroom
while also engaging students with their state standards in fresh and interesting ways. My
students and I have grown to enjoy the 3D printer I got for my school because it improves
lessons and fosters classroom community.
Community in the classroom and 3D printing
By providing incentives and fostering relationships with the students, my Prusa MINI 3D
printer improves the classroom environment. After a class change, when I enter the room, I
frequently notice children gazing intently at the 3D printer while it works. After finishing a unit
of study in my social studies class, we play review games like Kahoot, Quizz, and Jeopardy.
I 3D-printed Baby Yoda, the Ammit statue from Moon Knight, and different reptiles, for
instance, for the Kahoot winners.
Almost anything with Dwayne Johnson's face is a student favourite. Dwayne Johnson's face
has been affixed to various objects on the website Thingiverse, including a squirrel, a
Tyrannosaurus rex (referred to as T-Rocks), a hawk, an octopus, etc. Despite how absurd it
may appear, students adore it.
These 3D printed items can be given as rewards to every student, not only Kahoot contest
winners. Students may receive a Dwayne Johnson face reward if they are behaving well,
going through a difficult time, participating in class discussions when they ordinarily don't, or
showing up on time.
With rewards in mind, 3D printing can strengthen relationships with pupils. For me to print,
several students have used Thingiverse or produced their own 3D models. For instance, a
student discovered a 3D skink item at her house, which also happened to be one of her pets.
I printed the file for her after she sent it to me. She was thrilled when I gave her the skink
because it was something incredibly easy for me to do. Another kid wanted to print a
mallard, so he located the file, emailed it to me, and we all put it on the 3D printer together.
We have been publishing many anime-related items because many pupils are anime fans.
The likelihood that my pupils will work harder in class increases if we can collaborate and
interact positively.
2. IMPROVE LEARNING WITH 3D PRINTING
Beyond being entertaining, 3D printing has significant implications for boosting teaching and
improve students' overall learning experiences. This covers both routine tasks and more
substantial project-based learning (PBL) units. Students in my U.S. history class utilised
Tinkercad to create a Monopoly piece to use when they play the board game as part of a
subject on the Gilded Age.
The correct file type (.stl) was exported when students finished designing their 3D Monopoly
component. Supports were then placed in a slicer tool that produced a g-code file, and the
g-code file was then uploaded to the 3D printer. Support is added to assist prevent print jobs
from failing. The moment the pupils held something they had created in their hands after
printing, which can often take eight to ten hours, they were overjoyed.
PBLs can also be built using the technology of 3D printing. We've finished two PBLs in my
class that involved 3D printing. In the first, students had to create a bridge that was as light
as feasible while yet being able to support the required weight. The bridges were created by
the students, printed, and tested using a small concrete weight. Following that, students
returned to Tinkercad and continued to fiddle with their bridge in an effort to make it lighter
and lighter.
The second PBL involves creating and printing a tool to assist an elderly person or a person
with a disability. The task for the class was to design for a real individual. To continue
brushing his own teeth despite having arthritis in his fingers, one student's granddad was
given a toothbrush holder that fit around his wrist. Both of these PBLs used 3D printing to
encourage students to think practically and with empathy.
I've discovered that 3D printing significantly improves the learning environment in the
classroom, whether the objects are utilised as incentives or in courses to increase student
engagement. According to my observations in social studies classes in high school, pupils
really enjoy it. I would consider that a victory if it were the only thing they were anticipating
that day.
And applications for 3D printing in high school classes are just getting started. Science,
math, and culinary arts could all benefit in some way from 3D printing. Students'
imaginations can be sparked and the process of creating can become more tangible thanks
to 3D printing.
