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3D Printing

 

 

What is a 3D Printer?

A 3D Printer is a device that enables 3D designs to come to life in front of students' eyes. Typically they use plastic to construct physical versions of virtually created 3D objects. The majority function by heating the plastic so it is soft enough to be squirted through the 3D printers' nozzle. These objects are then literally built from the ground up, layer by layer, until your virtual object has become physical.

Why would I use 3D Printers in the classroom?

3D printing provides many opportunities for students to fully explore the design process as well as providing the means to go deeper in to the content of many subject areas. In its simplest application, students can reproduce objects created by others to engage and make real the content they are studying. However the real power comes from not just 3D printing but 3D design where students can ideate, design, modify and prototype solutions across the curriculum.

Curriculum Connections

There is obvious application for 3D design and printing in the design process within design and technology. In addition, the majority of design projects also require extensive application of mathematical concepts such as measurement, shape and density. When working in a problem based learning (PBL) environment, there is application across the curriculum as 3D Printing allows for rapid prototyping of designed solutions to real world problems.

There are many resources and stories online that discuss how to incorporate 3D Printing in to your classroom. In addition you will find several books to assist with the basics. One to read that incorporates the technical and the pedagogical is 'The Invent to Learn Guide to 3D Printing in the Classroom'.

Student designing on a computer surrounded by 3D printed objects on a tableLinks to Future Focused Learning

3D Printing supports several of the future learning themes, however as a prototyping tool it's forte lies in enabling the experiential classroom. Working with 3D printers involves students in design and rapid prototyping ensuring they are both inspired and equipped to solve real world problems through experimentation, investigation and innovation.

Finding a 3D Printer

Before purchasing a 3D printer we recommend you read the advice from the Design and Technology Curriculum Advisor found in the following issue of Tech Talk. The article outlines the safety precautions you need to be aware of as well as providing purchasing tips and much more.

Stage Suggestion: 3 through 6

3D Design Software

There are many 3D Design programs available for students. Some are web-based such as Tinkercad, others are installed programs like SketchUp (Available in the eT4L Software Catalogue), Fusion 360 and 3D Builder (Standard on all eT4L Windows 10 Computers).

3D Builder is a simple and easy to use program to get students familiar with 3D design and there are many 'how to' resources available on their website. For more advanced users a program such as Fusion 360 is recommended. While retaining an easy to use interface it offers greater potential to customise designs.

Student observing a 3D printerin the prinitng process

Tips and Tricks in the eT4L (Typical School) environment

The majority of 3D Printers are plug and play devices but will usually require an administrator logon to install the associated driver. Many now also have the ability to receive files wirelessly, opening them up to prints from tablet devices as well as desktop and notebook computers.

Stories from Schools

There are many schools across New South Wales, Australia and the world that have embraced 3D printing to inspire and engage their students to become the innovators of tomorrow. For example the stage 3 team from Parramatta Public School has worked with their students to design and recreate historical objects as part of their cross-curricular project investigating the history of the Parramatta region.

Safety considerations

When using any technology in the classroom please make sure you:

  • Read/comply with all manufacturer’s instructions for safe use
  • Observe and comply with age range recommendations
  • Consult your school's WHS representative
  • Consult the Equipment Safety in Schools (ESIS) register to check for implementation advice

 

For further information contact the T4L team: T4LNews@det.nsw.edu.au

NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE