Teach Middle East Magazine Jan-Feb 2017 Issue 3 Volume 4 | Page 28

Sharing Good Practice

Using 3D Printing to increase students ' creativity & engagement

By Malachy McGrogan

Many of us may have heard the story of how Derby the dog , who was born with no front paws and deformed legs , was given a new lease on life after a 3D Printing company provided him with a set of prosthetics that enabled him to not only start to walk , but run for miles at a time . It ’ s hard to believe that we now possess the technology to reproduce car parts , tools and replica art in the comforts of our own homes .

As educators , we push the boundaries of the classroom , engaging students in new , exciting ways while providing a curriculum with depth , context and understanding . There is little more satisfaction for a teacher or a student than when you get that WOW factor . Emerging technologies play a significant part in this goal , giving students the opportunity to travel to other parts of the globe in a virtual world with Virtual Reality or engage with online learning using wearable technology .
One of the big buzz terms at the minute is 3D Printing . There are a number of options being made available , including the ability to print biological materials and even food materials such as confectionary . Most common in schools are a range of printers that use PLA or ABS plastics , which keep running costs reasonably low . For the more “ green-minded ” among us , you could try a printer that uses layers of paper to build models .
3D Printing can be adapted for a range of subjects , lending itself nicely as a tool for supporting a STEAM curriculum . Students can design parts of the human anatomy for Biology , replicate molecules for Chemistry , develop a range of fossils for Geography , or create objects to be promoted in a Business Enterprise challenge . You could introduce a competition to design and print the most effective balloon-powered vehicle , challenging the engineering skills of your students . The development of a 3D model requires skills from a range of disciplines including Mathematics , Physics , ICT and Design Technology .
Previously , students have been able to work through the product design cycle up to a point . They started at the design stage and developed a range of digital prototypes before ending up with a final model that can be evaluated on screen . 3D Printing takes this one step further , as students are now able to print a complete digital model of a prototype , creating a physical object that can be critically analysed on a more advanced level .
There are a number of online tutorials to get you started . Free online modelling websites are available that use simple shapes to create products , easing the students into the concept of 3D modelling without needing to know the more powerful , industry standard software . There is also a range of websites offering free 3D digital designs for download and print . These will get you started quickly if you simply want an end product and are not concerned with developing the designs .
Place the printer in a public area such as a corridor in the school . You will be amazed at how many students stop to watch and admire the printing taking place . It will invite interest and is a starting point for conversations about design methodologies , prototyping and problem solving . Take it beyond lessons and introduce a 3D modelling club . The key is to make the technology available to all students , at any time . Encourage students to develop designs in their own time and offer opportunities for them to access the printer at break times or after school .
26 | Jan - Feb 2017 | | Class Time