How to Incorporate 3D Printing Into Any Lesson Plan
Software developers and engineers are continuously working to provide schools and educational facilities with new tech. Various apps and tools, such as Pedagogue, have opened many doors for contemporary-day education since their release.
The 3D printer is yet another new tool that has made considerable advancements in the academic world. This tech can serve various uses in the classroom. For example, many educators use the printer to make props for specific lessons.
This article will discuss how educators can incorporate 3D printing into any lesson plan.
Make Props for Specific Lessons
As we have already mentioned, most educators enjoy using a 3D printer for making and designing props for their lessons. For instance, if a Geography professor needs to incorporate the tool into their lesson, they can make a 3D map. This will make the lessons more interactive and exciting, and make it easier for a learner to understand what the educator is talking about.
Other examples of scenarios in which educators can make props for their lessons include:
- Creating real-life structures
This can be done in architecture, chemistry, or art classes. Educators could print out molecular structures, building plans, etc.
- Creating the human skeleton/organs
Biology educators could use the 3D printer to make human anatomy classes much more realistic and informative. Instead of merely referring to images in the textbook, educators could show their learners replicas of the human skeleton or organs.
Ask the Learners to Get Creative
3D printers can be used to improve the creativity and imagination of learners. Although this is much more suited for younger learners, this technique could also be incorporated into higher education classes.
For instance, some educators can ask their learners to design and make their own musical instruments. They could also design and make decorations (such as posters) for the classroom based on the school content.
Use the Printer for Projects and Assignments
Lastly, the 3D printer could come in handy when the learners need to complete projects or assignments. For instance, most learners must build a bridge out of paper straws and hot glue for physics class. However, instead of using these materials, educators could allow the learners to use the 3D printer. This will save time and be much more efficient.
Conclusion
3D printers are the new best thing when it comes to educational tools and tech. There are lots of ways in which educators and schools can incorporate this tech into their lesson plans.
For starters, most educators enjoy using 3D printers to make props for specific lessons. The learners could use the printer to get creative in the classroom, like making posters for specific work sections. Lastly, the printer could be used for various projects and assignments.