Experiential Learning Through 3D Printing

The way education takes place in schools is changing rapidly. You’ll find that kids are now wired to work with high-end technology, such as 3D Printing. While most adults are not used to tech-driven education, children are quick to pick up on these things.

Nowadays, 3D Printing has become an essential part of every curriculum, and children are loving it. You can learn more about 3D Printing for kids in the article below.

What is 3D Printing?

3D Printing has been around for about 30 years, but the focus on it skyrocketed in the last ten years. That has more to do with how the world has shifted to using more technology by the day.

What is 3D Printing anyway? Well, it’s the art of adding layers using heated glue and creating an object. It sounds simple, and its application is even simpler! A 3D printer helps in dispensing out liquid glue through which you can create different objects.

The other name for 3D Printing is additive manufacturing that uses a filament (another name for glue stick) for the layers.

How does 3D Printing Work?

When it comes to how 3D Printing works, it’s quite simple. The first step requires you to create a model on the computer. This requires sculpting using specific 3D modeling software as the printing process won’t happen otherwise.

Then, you normally choose to print the model and make sure that there are enough filaments in the printer. Once it starts printing, you’ll find that the filament is exposed to high levels of heat, melting it to form the physical version of the object you created on the software.

It starts from the bottom and leaves you with the complete structure in a few hours. The time it takes to print can differ based on the complexity of the model you’re printing.

What are the 3D Printing Applications?

3D Printing applications spread far and wide. There’s no limitation to what you can produce with the help of this device.

You’ll find a range of elements that can easily be created using 3D Printing, including eyewear, prosthetics, interior designs, furniture, automotive engineering designs, and much more.

Is 3D Printing Safe for Kids?

If you’re wondering whether or not this is safe for kids, then don’t worry! This activity is completely safe for everyone, as long as they follow all the safety precautions. Keeping the area clean and ensuring children wash their hands after 3D Printing is also important.

3D Printing is vital for a child’s creative and critical thinking skills. Therefore, introducing this to the curriculum is essential for their growth. This is considered an important aspect of STEM learning as well.

As an educator, if you’re moving forward with STEM learning for children, then don’t forget to incorporate 3D Printing. You can get access to STEM course material and equipment for students with the help of Next Wave STEM.

They offer innovative educational experiences for children of all ages, including STEM learning with 3D Printing. Next Wave STEM’s training for teachers accompanied with adequate course material starts as early as grade K-2 and goes up to grade 9-12. And so, they help in creating an enriched learning experience for children of different ages.

Connect with Next Wave STEM today to introduce project-based STEM learning through 3D Printing and other essential STEM curricula to your education system.

Check out 3D Printing Courses for 3-5, 6-8, 9-12. Check out 3D Printers for the classroom.