The new school year is underway and social media is buzzing with fantastic projects that teachers have created to get their students involved as active learners—one big way involves 3D printing. As the cost of 3D printers has dropped significantly in recent years, more schools are able to adopt and incorporate the technology into the curriculum.
Our 3D Academy has seen first hand the benefits of introducing 3D printing technology to students early-on. Below are four benefits of introducing 3D printing technology in education.
Hands-On Learning
3D printing makes learning fun and engaging. Students are able to move away from books and lectures and actually design and print the subject they are learning about. Learning about ancient Egypt? Design and print a model of a mummy. Learning about landforms? Design and print a mountain range. When the possibilities are endless, creativity can flourish.
While CAD programs can get complicated, there are specific programs available for educational purposes. This means students will be able to design on their own and see their exact design get transformed into an actual object.
Creating Inventors
Kids love to create. Whether it’s with LEGOs, blocks, sticks or anything else they can get their hands-on, kids are always creating. Instead of buying someone else’s creation, kids can identify a problem and create their own solution. Giving students the power to design and build with cutting-edge technology gets their minds thinking about the things they can create.
Real World Problem Solving
3D printing is a technology that businesses, engineers and scientists are using everyday to change the world. Put that same technology into the hands of students and introduce them to some of the challenges facing the community. Through this problem-solving approach, students will learn empathy, teamwork, and critical thinking skills as they work to develop a solution to a real-world problem.
Engaging Students
3D printing has a ‘wow factor’ with students since it is not something they see every day. It motivates and engages students to learn. Students who may otherwise not be actively engaged in the classroom, suddenly light up and want to participate when 3D printing is involved.
3D printing technology promotes active learning and has the power to open a world of career possibilities to students. 3D printing inspires creativity and can help encourage students to explore a career in engineering or science.
Have questions about introducing CAD and 3D printing technology into your school or classroom? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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