3D Printing

     3D Printing is an awesome technology that is catching on in schools all over the country. It is especially interrelated with the STEAM movement. Students are able to utilize their creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking skills to develop things for fun or for use to solve real-world problems. I have done some research on bringing a Makerspace to my school (see links at bottom of blog post) containing 3D printers. I went all out on purchases on this example and let go of every cost-efficient and practical inclination for the purpose of the project, but I could see a cost-efficient makerspace created for the school. This is how I would like to see a 3D printer used in the school. It can be used for all classes through a booking process or even have faculty oversee the makerspace before or after school. The purpose of the 3D printer within the makerspace would be for students to either (A) create items to solve real-world problems through innovation. (B) Express themselves artistically in creating things simply for art's sake. This can be done through projects within classes with as many or as few parameters as necessary or through 'freestyle' creation. Students have an innate desire and ability to create things, but sometimes lack opportunities in school and/or at home. This makerspace would fill this void for the students.

      Within the social studies curriculum, I have a few ideas of how to use a 3D printer for different projects. For ancient civilizations, recreation of important inventions or creations to solve problems even more efficiently than inventions of those times (ie irrigation systems, housing, etc.). For wars and battles, students can recreate battles or war technologies. For geography, students can recreate the magnificent physical features of a region or human characteristics (culture) of a region. The possibilities are endless for how to integrate a 3D printer into the curriculum.. I would love having a 3D printer at my school that is able to be used by anyone.


Makerspace Research Project

Makerspace Research Project Presentation