3D Printing

What is 3D printing?
-Three-dimensional printing is part of a process called additive manufacturing, which
creates three-dimensional objects from a digital blue print.

How to use 3D printing:

-First, you must create a virtual design (a blue print) of the object you want to create
using a 3D modeling software or 3D scanner. Next, you have to slice your 3D model.
Slicing divides a 3D model into hundreds of horizontal layers. Slicing usually comes as a
tool on 3D modeling software. After the model is sliced, it can be printed on the 3D
printer. The model you created is printed layer by layer to create the 3D object.

Why should 3D printing be used in the classroom?

3D printing gives students hands on experience with technology
3D printing provides students with hands on experiences that illustrate concepts
3D printing can be integrated in subject areas
There are jobs available that utilize 3D printing
3D printing allows students to be innovative
3D printing can engage students in the learning process

Ideas and ways 3-D printing can be implemented in the classroom:

When teaching about geography and landforms, students can create smaller
models of mountain ranges, rivers, canyons, etc.
Students can create replicated versions of artifacts and fossils in social studies or
history class.
When working on dimensions in math, students could create and plan out their
own math designs and then print their designs using the 3D printer and write a
description or story to describe what they created.
In science, students can create models that represent the life cycle of animals or a
model of a living thing that represents the different parts of the living thing.
Students can create vehicles and test their vehicles when learning about force and
motion.
Students can create objects using 3D shapes and compare the number of vertices,
sides and corners. This lesson could also incorporate measurement.

Resources available to implement 3-D printing in the classroom:

YouTube has tutorial on how to 3D print objects.
 MakerBot is an example of a 3D printer that can but purchased to use in the
classroom.
Tinkercad is an example of a free 3D design and 3D printing app.
The Yeggi website has a variety of lesson ideas that incorporate 3D printing.
Education in 3D is another website that contains numerous lessons plans that
involve 3D printing.
BrainPop 3D Printing this is resource that explains and introduces 3D printing to
elementary students.

Research available on 3-D printing:

Jo, W., Jang Hee, H., Ananda, R., So, J., Hee I, J., Lee, H., & Ju, H. (2016, March).
Introduction of 3D printing technology in the classroom for visually
impaired students. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 110(2), 115
121. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1114998.pdf
Three-dimensional printing technology was used in the Seoul National School for
the Blind as instructional materials for visually impaired students in a grade five history
classroom. Three-dimensional materials such as tactile maps, resizable braille, and
historical artefacts were created. Students were given opportunities to explore the objects
with their hands. The study found that students believed having access to the three-
dimensional objects allowed them to better understand historical content taught in the
classroom. Researchers noted that the three-dimensional printer allowed customized
materials to be created to fit the different needs of visually impaired students. The study
concluded that three-dimensional printing helped student appreciate historical culture.
Having access to three-dimensional objects representing concepts discussed in history
class brought amusement and meaning to learning

Lacey, G. (2010). Get students excited--3D printing brings designs to life. Tech
Directions, 70(2), 17-19.

Lacey (2010) discusses the benefits of implementing three-dimensional printing

into classrooms. He states that when teachers implement three-dimensional printing into
classroom projects, three-denominational printing educates and motivates students in
using technology. Three-dimensional printers teach students processes that are currently
being used in industry for product design and manufacturing today and that they will be
able to use in future jobs. Implementing three-dimensional printers into the classroom
allow students to be actively involved in the learning process and give students
opportunities to use their creativity by working together, coming up with a solution to a
problem and following through on a design and testing their product. Three-dimensional
printing also provides students with opportunities to utilize critical thinking skills because
if they create a product in hopes to come up with a solution to a problem and their
solution does not work, they can analyze what they made, determine why their product
did not solve the problem and try to find an alternative way to solve the problem just like
companies do when they produce new products.
Resources:
Jo, W., Jang Hee, H., Ananda, R., So, J., Hee I, J., Lee, H., & Ju, H. (2016, March).
Introduction of 3D printing technology in the classroom for visually
impaired students. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 110(2), 115 121.
Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1114998.pdf

Krassenstein, E. (n.d.). Why 3D Printing Needs to Take Off in Schools Around theWorld.
In 3DPrint.com . Retrieved September 9, 2016, from
https://3dprint.com/27743/3d-printing-benefits-schools/
Lacey, G. (2010). Get students excited--3D printing brings designs to life. Tech
Directions, 70(2), 17-19.

Nicholls, D. (2013, October 13). Why have 3D printers in the classroom?. In 3D

Printing Systems. Retrieved September 9, 2016, from
http://3dprintingsystems.com/why-have-3d-printers-in-the-classroom/

3DPrinting.com. (2016). What is 3D printing. In 3DPrinting.com. Retrieved September

8, 2016, from http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/