How to use 3D printer to enhance STEAM education
3D printing is a powerful tool in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. It bridges theoretical concepts with hands-on learning, enhancing student engagement and understanding. Here’s how it can be applied across various STEAM subjects:
Where to use 3D printers
3D printing center
The 3D printing center is open to all students. You can learn about 3D printing technology there, or you can apply to 3D print objects using the printers to enhance your studies. At many universities, the 3D printing center is managed by the library and offers both printing services and lessons. In minorities universities, the center may be located within specific colleges or part of a STEAM learning center.
3D printing and additive manufacturing play a crucial role in the daily lives of students and researchers. They are used to teach the design process, fabricate parts and demonstration objects, and test new materials and techniques.
Labs
Many university departments use 3D printers as a study tool in their labs. The printers are available exclusively for students working in those labs. Different subjects utilize the 3D printers for various academic goals.
3D Printing APPlication in Education
Architecture-Design and Prototyping
3D printing allows students to create detailed architectural models, helping them visualize complex structures and explore design principles. This hands-on approach fosters creativity and spatial awareness.
This technology is also advancing sustainability through material research and optimizing building performance by enabling the use of lightweight and efficient structures. As 3D printing evolves, it is set to push the boundaries of design, fostering innovation and efficiency in architecture, both on Earth and potentially in space 3D printing.
Physics-Demonstrating Concepts
Since 3D printers were introduced in colleges, more and more schools are acquiring them, allowing average physics teachers to create equipment at a fraction of the cost of buying it. Teachers can produce many custom lab instruments using 3D printers for a low cost.
Students can also print models to demonstrate physics concepts like force, motion, and energy. Creating tangible examples of theoretical ideas enhances understanding and retention.
Electrical Engineering-Prototyping Circuits
3D printing gives students control over design, cost, and time by enabling rapid prototyping and production of complex parts. It reduces development time, encourages collaboration, and helps keep projects within budget. With 3D printers, students can also create custom circuit boards, allowing them to experiment with electrical design and build functional prototypes, which deepens their understanding of electronics.
Students can 3D print structural elements and covers for remote-controlled cars or robotic arms using different 3D printer filaments. For example, they can print tires with TPU filament and FPV (first-person view) components with ASA filament.
Medical-Anatomical Models
3D printing is revolutionizing medical education by enabling the creation of patient-specific models for teaching and surgical planning. These models, made from various materials, can accurately represent anatomical structures, aiding in surgical intervention planning and gross pathology understanding. The process involves capturing the area of interest from medical imaging, creating 3D geometry, transforming it into a printable file, selecting an appropriate 3D printer, and choosing the right materials. While hard materials are commonly used, there’s a need for more flexible and elastic materials to better mimic human tissue. The technology is particularly useful in orthopedics, dentistry, and plastic surgery, but advancements in materials are necessary for more complex tissue replication.
Arts-Creative Expression
In the arts, 3D printing allows students to bring their creative visions to life. They can experiment with form, texture, and structure, blending artistic expression with technological skills. It can also play a significant role in creating practical artworks. For instance, you can use PETG to print advertising signs or kitchen gadgets.
3D printing enables artists to create objects they envision, even if those designs exceed their manual fabrication skills. This encourages students to push their creativity and design more innovative work.
Mathematics-Visualizing Problems
3D printing offers an innovative way to visualize mathematical concepts like geometry and calculus, enhancing students’ mathematical and design thinking, along with digital skills. It allows learners to create 3D objects, integrating multidisciplinary knowledge into both formal and informal education. Despite its potential, there is no comprehensive review summarizing its use in mathematics education. This article conducts a systematic review of 30 empirical studies from 2015 to 2022, examining participants, methodologies, challenges, pedagogies, and technologies involved. While 3D printing shows promise in transforming math education, challenges remain, such as hardware and software issues. The review also provides recommendations for educators and researchers to improve the application of 3D printing in this field.
Conclusion
By integrating 3D printing into STEAM education, educators can provide students with immersive, practical learning experiences. This technology not only enhances understanding but also inspires innovation and creativity across disciplines. Embracing 3D printing in the classroom equips students with essential skills for the future.