I
believe adding 3D printing in the curriculum is a great idea for the learning
environment. 3D printing fuels limitless creativity when students get to see,
hold and test their ideas in real space. Bringing 3D printing into the classroom
exposes learners to the same technologies they will encounter in their careers,
giving them a jump-start on future challenges.
Our
students have a lot to offer the world and their ideas should be made into
reality. There are plenty of websites
that showcase work done by people using a 3D printer. One website includes
Thingiverse. On this site you can
explore by grade level or subject area.
There are plenty of ideas students could choose from and make an
original. As I was exploring the website
myself, I came across an idea that was practically beautiful. It was a 3D model of a protractor except it
shows the primary angles of degree in different colors. The students are able to use their
imagination beyond their own belief.
I
had the opportunity to create an account with a website called Tinkercad. This
website is slightly different than Thingiverse.
You can still see ideas and pictures on Tinkercad like you can on
Thingivers, but you can also create your own ideas in a virtual space right
there on the website. It is convenient
to those who want to express their ideas to the world. It can be attached to 3D printer to print the
final works of a student. The website
come equipped with shapes and a drawing pad to create one’s own idea of a
shape. You are able to import other
pictures and 3D items to create an even bigger masterpiece. The website is quite interesting to
explore.
I
would love to have both the 3D printer and the Thinkercad access in my
classroom. I want my students to know
that with creativity, determination, and hard work that anything is
possible. 3D printing would give
students the satisfaction that they actually came up with an idea created an
original piece of art or work. Implementing 3D printing in curriculum would
give students something to look forward to and make learning more enjoyable.
