3D Printing in STEM Education

KEY POINTS

• Connect 3D printing to real-world problems.
• Use visual applications to teach math.
• Spark student creativity.

As 3D printing becomes increasingly prominent in both classroom and industry settings alike, adding this innovative technology to the STEM classroom is becoming more and more useful as a tool for advancing and implementing hands-on STEM education.

USING 3D PRINTING TO HIGHLIGHT REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS

While 3D printers certainly make for an amusing novelty, their application in the STEM classroom is much more important than that. In the modern world, 3D printing technology is helping engineers to construct buildings, allowing manufacturers to produce products quickly and efficiently, and even enabling scientists to print organs and tissue for transplants in fields of medicine. In this sense, 3D printers provide students with important insights and perspectives into how the STEM subjects and innovative technologies are helping to solve real problems present in the world around them. This makes 3D printers an incredibly savvy teaching tool in the modern STEM classroom. Incorporating 3D printing into your classroom gives students the opportunity to play the role of a real STEM professional as they innovate and develop real solutions to real problems. This kind of interaction is sure to give students an active form of STEM engagement and help them develop important career-ready skills.

UNDERSTANDING GEOMETRY APPLICATIONS

Math can often be a tough subject for a lot of students, and finding hands-on, practical ways to teach mathematical concepts in the classroom can be a difficult challenge for any teacher. Luckily, 3D modeling and 3D printing offer the perfect opportunity to engage students with not only basic math, but geometric concepts like angles, physical dimensions, surface area, volume, units of measurement, and scale as well. In preparation for 3D printing their own original designs, start off by letting students create their own 3D models using the CAD modeling software of your choice. Tinkercad is an excellent, free, online choice, especially for early learners. This kind of interaction with a visual, virtual environment is a great way for students to wrap their heads around complicated geometric concepts that can be difficult for them to simply visualize in their heads, all the while learning valuable computer science and software skills.

After students are done with their 3D designs, move on to the 3D printing portion of the project where students can learn about the physical hardware and engineering concepts behind 3D printing. Compound, progressive projects like this that incorporate virtual 3D modeling and physical 3D printing are terrific tools for bringing math to life in any STEM classroom.

DESIGNING WITH CREATIVITY

Lastly, 3D printing offers students the opportunity to be creative, an important skill often under-emphasized in the STEM subjects. Giving students “making” time encourages innovation and helps them to develop problem-solving skills while they explore and design. Regardless of the real-life practicality of their projects, simply giving students time for unrestricted exploration with technology enhances their comfort with being creative and trying new ways to solve problems.

— Dr. Jake Roark