5 Ways In Which 3D Printing Is Enhancing Education*

Before COVID hit, I was seriously tempted by the prospect of homeschooling my daughter. Because I work from home and I’m self employed, I often feel that school hours and holidays are very restricting and wanted my daughter to be as flexible as I am. However, after a good 8 months of the last year spent homeschooling my daughter, I can safely say, it’s not for me! And a good job because I feel now having missed out on so much school, I don’t want her to miss out on all the opportunities and experiences and resources a school can offer. These are things that I’ve noticed she’s missed out on in the past year!

One of the great resources schools can offer these days is that of 3D printing.

3D printing works by using a Computer Aided Design (or CAD) file to create a physical 3D object. This object is scanned and the software (known as a slicer) coverts the model into a series of thin layers. It then produces a file (or G-code) with instructions tailored to the specific type of 3D printer used. Sounds a bit complicated broken down like that, but it’s actually insane how it does it.

Companies such as Central Scanning work with sectors like Education to provide this as a service, which is great if your school isn’t right ahead when it comes to technology.

Using 3D scanning in a school can be advantageous to pupils when it comes to learning. It creates excitement from the ability to explore details and to have something physical to look at. It completes the curriculum offering students access to models that would previously be unavailable due to the expense, in comparison 3D printed objects are a fraction of the cost and can even be done in the school, which is an interesting learning experience in itself, especially for design and tech students.

To conclude, here are 5 ways in which 3D printing could enhance education;

– In History, students could have up close access to ancient artifacts if a replica is made using a 3D printer. Being able to look at them in close detail will help with understanding and of course, they become perfect source material for any art that needs to be completed around them.

– In Georgraphy, student would be able to print out topography, demographic, or population maps along with rock and land formations.

– In Biology, it would be most beneficial. Imagine being able to have a replica of the brain or the heart to study up close without having to use an animal one? I know I’d have liked that!

– In Maths, students could be provided with 3D problems to solve. A lot of students are more hands on or visual learners and this would really benefit them!

– And for Graphic Design, as mentioned above, they would be able to work with the 3D printer itself and produce models of what they have designed. The feeling of achievement would be incredible and not only that, it would give them a chance to see how it can be reworked before submitting a final piece.

3D printers are wonderful and they really would be beneficial when used in education.