3D Printing

3D printing is rapidly growing in the education world.  I have read many articles and Tweets lately about how libraries are being transformed into Maker Spaces fully equipped with 3D printers.  These printers can be used by teachers to make models or manipulatives for class concepts.  Teachers can produce mini volcanoes, bodily organs, or Medieval weaponry for students to hold and see and learn.  Students can also problem-solve, design, and build anything that will fit inside the printer.  There is a big push in engineering with our new Next Generation Science Standards.  A 3D printer would be an amazing way to help meet these standards!  This would be a great asset for project-based teachers as well.

3D printing is very similar to rapid prototyping.  They both print by building a 3D object layer by layer.  They also have several differences.  Rapid prototyping machines are a little larger than a standard 3D printer.  A 3D printer has an 8 inch cubed printing area where a rapid prototyping machine measures at least 10 inches on each side.  Rapid prototyping machines are also more expensive to upkeep, but they offer a wider variety of materials that can be used to print.

This would be a very exciting technology to be able to implement into a classroom.  Students and teachers both would enjoy using this device.  I think the best thing about implementing a tool like this would be seeing the students think, problem-solve, design, and taking pride in the final product.