Using a 3D printer is so cool because it brings students creativity to life. It allows them to create functional objects they can use, promoting hands-on learning. Additionally, designing 3D models teaches valuable problem-solving skills, as students must consider functionality for the printer. I believe 3D printing is beneficial for grades K-12 because there’s something for every age group to learn. It can be tailored to be as simple or complex as needed, making it accessible for all students.
Check out this article about 3D printing!
However, some drawbacks of 3D printing include a lack of convenience. The printing process typically takes at least one to three hours to create an object. If every student is printing something, it can become very time-consuming and may stretch over the course of a week or two to complete all projects. While this technology can be effectively used across all grade levels, it may be more challenging for younger students, as they need to design objects that the printer can successfully produce.
The image above shows what I created in today’s class. It was my first time using a 3D printer, and I found it super interesting and easy to navigate. I’m excited to see the final results, including the size and colors of the object!