3D Printing can be used to inspire entrepreneurship, can be used to better understand the physical world and grasp abstract concepts, which is why we need to pro-actively sponsor the implementation of 3D Printing In Schools.
1. Why Implement 3D Printing in Schools?
Schooling has advanced dramatically since I was younger, access to technology has increased, and
children are exposed to more than I ever was in my youth - but is that enough?
We need to teach our children to think and think critically, because although the content that we teach
them now at school is important to their growth, the ability to reason, implement and problem solve is
equally important. What does this have to do with 3D Printing?
Implementing 3d Printing Labs in Schools is not about training our children to be 3D Printer operators, it
is not about training our children necessarily about how a 3D Printer works - although this is fascinating.
It is rather about providing our children with access to tools to better explore and understand their
world. Good learning is a combination of verbal, visual and tactile and yet in many cases it is almost
impossible to create tactile tools for learning - 3D Printing addresses this.
3D Printing can be used to inspire entrepreneurship, can be used to better understand the physical
world and grasp abstract concepts, which is why we need to pro-actively sponsor the implementation of
3D Printing In Schools.
2. What will Students print?
Typically when planning 3D Printing In Education and implementation the obvious areas are Design and
Technology, but 3D Printing has benefits to offer in enhancing understanding in many areas.
Geography/Geology - 3D Printers can be used to print geological forms, print maps of the local
environment, understand abstract concepts like the water cycle
History - print copies of historical artefacts, understand the difference between modern and
historical items, print dioramas to explain settlements, battles and create non-electrical
machinery
Art - print famous sculptures, design and print sculptures, design and print inks and embossing
stamps
Cooking - design and print cookie cutters, moulds, and icing tips
Mathematics - print tools for teaching complex concepts, printing counting devices, teach the
beauty of geometry and create 3D solids for teaching volume.
Do Students have to be CAD trained to benefit?
CAD skills are not critical, although if you already teach CAD skills 3D Printing enhances this teaching by
allowing the student to create a physical object from their digital modelling thereby cementing the
learning experience and making the purpose of learning more functional, but CAD skills are not needed
to benefit from 3D Printing.
3. Although CAD skills are not required to benefit from a 3D Printer there are many free and simple
resources for teaching CAD and the list below can never be complete as these resources grow almost
weekly.
Is 3D Printing complex to implement?
No it is not! Rapturize 3D Printers provide many excellent resources for teachers with access to files,
software and training tools and various Software vendors provide free CAD programs for children to
learn.
My recommendation is to treat a 3D Printer much the same way you would treat a copier or printer and
provide access to the general school by putting it in a shared resource area, the library is a good
example. It is simple to operate and will not take up the library resources, but putting it in a common
area will allow the general school access to the printer, will generate excitement across all levels of the
school and will ensure that it is used.
Which 3D Printers are recommended?
Best 3d Printer Company in India - Rapturize.in Provides 3d Printing In Schools and Colleges. They have
Best 3d Printing Services In India