If you would like to foster the next generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators, and leaders through hands-on creativity-enhancing exploration, consider making a charitable 3D printer donation.
Without a doubt, right now is an exciting time for 3D printing in general. As the industry continues to move towards industrialization, this technology is increasingly becoming part of the broader manufacturing ecosystem. 3D printing is not just a current trend. It is, unarguably, a revolutionary technology that opens up endless possibilities world wide. From automotive to consumer goods, companies multiple industries are becoming aware of the great advantages 3D printing offers for production. The next steps for both the technology and the industry would be to maintain this momentum and continuously work towards enabling more applications on a larger scale. As you can imagine, this will create new and exciting jobs for those with the inclination for technology.
Introducing this innovative technology to the newer generation can create great opportunities and cultivate the skills needed to enter this new and exciting field.
Please read on find out how a 3D printer donation can benefit today's youth.
The Starting Line
3D printing works by beginning with a digital model in a 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file and then creating a physical three-dimensional object. Objects are scanned — or an existing scan of an object is used, which is then processed by a piece of software known as a “slicer.” The slicer converts the model into a series of thin, 2-dimensional layers and produces a file with instructions (G-code) tailored to the specific type of 3D printer you are using.
For 3D printing’s use in education, it is a matter of bringing objects out of the computer screen and into the physical world — and into the hands of students for inspection, analysis, and other processes that benefit from physical manipulation.
3D Printing And Education
A lot has been said about the need for more education in the 3D printing industry. A lack of education is the biggest challenge faced by service bureaus today. The gap in need of expertise, in particular, can create barriers to entry into this new and exciting field of work. Without proper knowledgable individuals, companies will likely struggle to develop a business case or use 3D printing. Besides the future workforce, students are able to benefit from a 3D printer in the classroom setting as well.
Awareness around the capabilities of 3D printing is increasing gradually. A lot of emphases is being put into educating schools on how to get started with 3D printing and extract the most value out of it.
Here are a few examples of how schools and students can use a 3D printer to enrich their educational experience in the classroom setting:
- History students can print out historical artifacts to examine for a hands-on learning experience
- Graphic Design students would be able to print out 3D versions of their artwork
- Geography students can print out various topography, demographic, or population maps
- Chemistry students can print out 3D models of molecules giving them a different perspective on what they are learning.
- Biology students can print out cells, viruses, organs, and other biological artifacts for an in-depth view of the body
- Math students can print out 3D models of problems to then work on solving
These are a fraction of the many ways 3D printing technology can bridge the gap between the physical and the digital worlds — all you have to do is find what you need on the screen, then print it into existence. With the current costs of 3D printers becoming more and more affordable, they are not simply just another technological gadget for students to play around with but are becoming more and more important as an educational tool. They make both teaching and learning more effective all-around.
The 5 Major Benefits of 3D Printing in Education
From a future standpoint of growth and development, future designers, engineers, and artists will all have been students who have been impacted by 3D printing today.
5 major benefits of 3D printing’s impact on education…
- Creating Excitement — 3D printing gives students the ability to experience their projects from the model stage to the actual creation of the model. This generates both excitement and a better understanding of the design process as they continuously gain hands-on experience from conception to creation. The intricate features are understood more clearly as the students build their projects layer by layer. Excitement grows from the ability to explore every detail in reality, not just on a computer screen or in a textbook. 3D printing also pulls the world of theory to the physical world where students can interact, see, and touch, opening up new possibilities like never before for learning and activities.
- Complementing the Curriculum — No matter the curriculum being used, 3D printing can help students and teachers work together better. 3D printing upgrades students from being passive consumers of information on a computer screen with no thought given to productivity. Unlike with the conventional classroom model where students are easily bored, they are able to become more active and engaged participants through the conception, design, and execution of their projects and interaction with both the 3D printer and teacher.
- Giving Access to Knowledge Previously Unavailable — Because most of the 3D printers on the market are pre-assembled and plug and play, it can be a fun cutting-edge technology for students to learn with. Students will learn that it’s acceptable to fail on the first try and then to try again in order to improve. Students will eventually come to understand that failure is simply a part of the process and they become less afraid to execute new and different ideas. This helps build a students’ confidence and teachers can enjoy the results of having self-motivated, self-confident students.
- Opening New Possibilities for Learning — A 3D printer opens up unlimited learning possibilities for students. 3D printing will give students unique opportunities to experiment with ideas, to expand and grow their creativity. It can be hard to have young students figure things out without the benefit of visualization. Visual learning environments tend to improve a students understanding of the world. Being able to touch and see their projects in the real world can make a world of difference. 3D printers will open up new opportunities for presenting information in an economical and efficient manner.
- Promoting problem-solving skills — As mentioned before, a 3D printer will give a variety of learning experiences. Students need to learn how different 3D printers work, how to efficiently operate them, and how to troubleshoot and solve problems. This is an art in which many students do not get to experience during their normal day to day studies. By learning how to troubleshoot and solve various 3D printer problems, students are able to learn how to practice persistence and endurance in overcoming difficulties. This can easily translate to helping students solve their own problems in life.
Developing a students’ creativity skill set can aid greatly in the development and passion for original thinking and creativity that can later be applied in business. 3D printing can promotes student achievements, while also preparing them for a college education. They develop a greater sence of confidence that allows them to pursue challenging courses such as those in the STEAM fields. As students explore and grow their imaginations, it cultivates an innovative mindset where students create their own unique 3D projects that is able to help train others as well as solve difficult problems.
The Bottom Line
Even though current prices on 3D printers are steadily lowering, not every school may be able to afford one. Not only does a good 3D printer have a sizable price tag but sometimes administration does not always agree on the need for such a forward-thinking piece of technology.
If you have a 3D printer at home that you don’t use as much as you thought you would, please consider a 3D printer donation to charities such as the Giving Center. Rather than leave it to collect dust and take up space, donate your 3D printer to a deserving charity.
Keep in mind, if you intend to collect a tax deduction, you will need to donate to a IRS accredited 501 ©(3) charity.
