I am fortunate to be involved with a school that recently purchased a 3D printer for a program that teaches technology, robotics and engineering. It made complete sense to me when I finally saw the machine and watched it print out a plastic, orange nut and a bolt. I was mesmerized and proudly showed the creation to all my friends. The Grade 6-9 students who witnessed my fascination were entertained - for them, 3D printing technology is as commonplace as a toaster.
I delved into the research and experience of 3D printer-users and found some remarkable products made by 3D printers ranging from the useful to life-saving to time-wasting. What was most amazing to me as an educator, however, was not the product but the process. In my previous blog post I commented on the learning value Mitch Resnick found in coding. These are also found in the 3D printing process: concept development, design process, systematic reasoning, collaboration and critical and creative thinking.
I also noticed how 3D printing inspired innovation in sectors not obviously connected to the industry: plastic recycling and international development. PlasticBank.org aims to "remove plastic waste while helping people ascend from poverty and transition into entrepreneurship". 3D printing could increase the value of plastic making it something people throw out less and recycle more. This is one example of how 3D printing has inspired people to find sustainable, innovative solutions to current problems using an emerging technology. There are also people out there right now finding ways to print human cells for manufacturing organs. NASA is even printing pizza for space exploration.
I would love to have access to a 3D printer to create manipulatives for my students as learning tools. If I were teaching older students I would create design challenges and print designs that show evidence of the learning processes Resnick mentioned in his TEDTalk on coding.
Now that I've entered the world of 3D printing and my the image of the origami structure has (thankfully) been replaced, I'm looking forward to participating more actively in the industry and finding ways to incorporate the 3D printing process into my teaching and learning process.
And by the way, if you were curious about the fate of my beloved orange nut and bolt...it has found a special place in my classroom as the most favourite fidget (calming) tool in our collection. Who knew!