3-D Printing Resources
What is 3-D printing? 3-D printing uses a printer to create three dimensional objects. (Information Source: Kids, Code, and Computer Science)
- Objects are created by adding or depositing layers of material, not subtracting or cutting out pieces from a block of material.
- Objects are created by adding layers, the computer file with details about your model must be converted into slices the printer will create layer by layer.
- A 3D printer takes material, usually plastic wrapped on a spool, heats the material, and then fuses the material layer by layer to build a three-dimensional object. The material is extruded, or pushed out and deposited.
Why Have 3D Printers in the Classroom,
Information from http://3dprintingsystems.com/why-have-3d-printers-in-the-classroom/
- “Typically, students are not allowed to handle fragile objects like fossils and artifacts; 3D printing shows promise as a rapid prototyping and production tool, providing users with the ability to touch, hold, and even take home an accurate model.”
- A great example of this is GB3D Type Fossils (http://www.3d-fossils.ac.uk/), a free collection of fossils from British museums that anyone can download and print.
- A report released by the NMC Horizon Project highlighted that 3D printing will have a massive impact on education, particularity in the STEM areas in the next 3-5 years. Combined with an ‘Internet of things’ children of today will have powerful tools to solve the problems of tomorrow. With the removal of failure as a fear holding them back, students will be able to reach new levels of thinking and problem solving.
BrainPop Video on 3-D Printing
In this BrainPOP movie, Tim explains the ins and outs of this amazing new technology. Discover powders and liquids are shaped into three-dimensional objects. Explore the many possible uses of 3D printing, from product development to manufacturing to medicine. And learn about some of the limitations of the technology, and why you shouldn't throw out your inkjet printer just yet!