Thingiverse (Mars Station Lesson Plan by NCACERES)
With the involvement of technology in the schools it is also important that we keep our educational goals at hand. I like this lesson plan especially among the others provided on this website because not only does it involve technology and 3D printing but it is also interdisciplinary as well as it integrates a science aspect to it. Students are to create a space station in Mars using the lodging room in the shape of hexagons. Students will design their own station, use mathematical scaling and proportion, 3D printing, and design skills that focus on functionality and efficiency relative to space.
Smithsonian (Website)
3D printing has shown to be motivational for students to motive students in and out of the classroom. Having tangible items shows their students their work has beyond a piece of paper. Smithsonian also serves as recorded data that stores history items that is accessible to teachers and students where they can base educational lessons as well as use them for inspiration for new projects. I can also view this site as means for students to continue to use later on in their careers later on after school.
3D Printers in School (Article)
The reported feedback provided by these schools after using 3D printers showed that this new tool did not only allow teachers and students to have another source of material to integrate in their educational work but it also inspired them to be more creative rather than just printing random items. Students and teachers created models that would later be recreated in full size also involving other technologies such as electricity to create a lamp for example. Another outcome was that students created their models through different mediums and were able to get creative in doing so.
Teachers reported the main conflict found was the fact that many of them did not get proper training on the usage and maintenance of such printers. This is particularly important as the instructor must be knowledgeable in order to provide the most effective instruction while taking proper usage of the printers.
I think that the Smithsonian article was very interesting. I think that history is such a interesting and important part of education. Allowing students to discover their own creations through technology is a great way to engage students. Relating history to that learning only helps students lock in on the material. In the article it mentions stepping out of the textbook and relating material to something more tangible. That is a great way to engage all learners!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have fun and we learn together!! 3D printing is a technology that allows users to turn any digital file into a three dimensional physical product. One of the good things about this printing technology is that it changes the dynamic of consumer culture. In other words, it turns users from being passive consumers to active creators!
ReplyDeleteI like the lesson plan you chose from Thingiverse! I looked into a space shuttle from the Apollo missions because they really interest me. You can build an entire shuttle with a launching pad, almost like an exact replica! I wish I would've found that earlier so I could have printed it, though it would have taken a very long time to do so!
ReplyDeleteI think it's important for students to see that their work and what they have been working on means something and with the help of the 3D Printer, students learn to take pride and in their work as it will one day be tangible.
I do agree that teachers should be trained in any technology that they're using, let alone introducing to a multitude of students.
Thinkiverse
ReplyDeleteI liked your choice with thingiverse. It was a really neat idea. I am only a little interested in the subject, but I think that would help me really get excited about it.
Smithsonian
It is nice to have something tangible to see. I think this can help history to become more real.
3D Printers in School
I was amazed at all of the projects the classes were planning. I also agree that the teachers need enough training to feel comfortable in teaching