3D printing is a rapidly growing technology that is finding its way into classrooms around the world. 3D printing has opened up new possibilities across the board. For design and manufacturing, it allows for the creation of shapes and structures that were previously impossible to produce using traditional methods. This has led to new products and innovations in a variety of industries. 

While 3D printers can be a valuable tool for teaching and learning, many schools are struggling to integrate them into their curriculum effectively. 

Challenges of getting started with 3D printing in the classroom

Time after time, we hear “yes, we’ve had a 3D printer for years, but we’ve never used it.”

Through our ongoing conversations with educators, we have picked up two common concerns that teachers have expressed about 3D printing in their classrooms: 3D printers seem difficult to use or maintain, and teachers can feel unsure about how to implement them into a cohesive educational course that satisfies state standards. This often results in 3D printers being left unused and gathering dust in the back of the classroom. 

That’s where NextWaveSTEM comes in.

How to implement 3D printers into K12 STEM classrooms

At NextWaveSTEM, we understand the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education in STEM. We also understand that 3D printing can be a valuable tool for teaching STEM concepts, which is why we offer a holistic offering around 3D printing in STEM. If your school has 3D printers, but you’re struggling with finding a curriculum or program to use them effectively, we can help.

Our program is designed to provide students with a hands-on, immersive experience in 3D printing. We start with the basics, teaching students how to design objects using CAD software. We then move on to the printing process itself, helping students understand the various components of a 3D printer and how they work together to create objects. Finally, we encourage students to explore the many applications of 3D printing in various fields, from healthcare to aerospace.

But we don’t just offer a program – we offer teachers as well. Our team of experienced educators can work with your school to either teach the course for you or help to provide a curriculum that integrates 3D printing seamlessly into your existing STEM program. For current STEM programs (whether in school, afterschool or during the summer), we’ll provide your teachers with the training and resources they need to teach 3D printing effectively, and we’ll be there to support them every step of the way.

Every student deserves a great STEM education

At NextWaveSTEM, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to learn about 3D printing and its many applications in STEM. If your school has 3D printers that are collecting dust in the back of the classroom, don’t let them go to waste. 

Contact us today to learn more about our holistic offering around 3D printing in STEM, and how we can help your school bring this exciting technology to life in the classroom.

Here are our downloadable 3D Printing Program Information broken down grades:

Grades 3-5 | Discovery of 3D Design Using Tinkercad

Grades 6-8 | Exploration of 3D Development Using Tinkercad

Grades 9-12 | Creatively Using 3D Technology for the Real World