Show Summary:

Do you use a 3D printer in your classroom? In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha dive into the reality of owning and using 3D printers in the classroom. These machines definitely bring the ‘wow’ factor, but are they really worth the hype? From bridges to weather balloons, we share our experiences incorporating 3D printing into our design challenges. But these projects also came with a lot of headaches including an overwhelming time commitment and ultimately unclear learning outcomes. Join us as we discuss why it might be time to hit pause on the 3D printer craze and rethink their role in your curriculum.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

115. How to Design a Makerspace

Prototyping:

- 113. From Miniatures to Mariners: The Power of Prototyping

- 120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM

144. Another Year of Smashing STEM (bridging classroom objects)

90. We Launched a Weather Balloon

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

10 Must Have STEM Tools

Launching Weather Balloons

Vivify STEM Lessons

Australia Safety Capsule STEM Challenge

Bridge Engineering STEM Challenge

Weather Balloon Launch: STEM Engineering Project Guide

Semester STEM Units (includes Space Colony!): choose from Moon or Mars themes!

Other STEM Resources

CAD Software:

- SOLIDWORKS

- Tinkercad

- CATIA

- Revit (for students)

Rube Goldberg contests

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