3D Printing Lessons in STEAM Education: Why and How?

However, despite the importance of these skills, we are seeing a real skills gap. With a constant growth rate of STEAM jobs, demand is high, and employers are struggling to fill positions. Computer programming and IT jobs are notoriously some of the hardest jobs to fill, so how can we encourage students to get involved in STEAM subjects to create a strong and skilled workforce?

By teaching STEAM! However, these subjects can sometimes be dry and unengaging for students and pose difficulties in teaching complex topics. 3D printing helps to create an engaging environment for goal-oriented, project-based learning while developing critical, creative problem-solving skills using real-life scenarios.

1. Science

Scientists make observations; they are curious and take notice of the world around them. They also think about their observations and ask questions that can be investigated. However, children are not born scientists. As a teacher, you show students how to make observations and challenge them to represent their observations, bringing science to life. From models of how nature works to a collection of facts, students need an intellectual tool kit to make sense of the world in a particular way to explain and predict what is happening.  

3D printing can transform your science lessons into active learning, which encourages students to create their own ideas and test their concepts. Using 3D printing in science lessons takes the subject from wow to how and sparks a real interest in the world. Such problem-based learning will help people adopt a positive attitude toward science.

Simply providing educators with 3D printers is not enough to encourage and support the full educational potential of 3D learning. be3D Academy integrates 3D printing into a learning environment to enhance student engagement on their learning journey.

Science lesson resources, like all our lesson plans, are fully aligned with core curriculums. Each be3D Academy lesson plan includes a variety of tools, such as 3D model files, videos, student worksheets, and presentations to help introduce the 3D project to students. You can search lesson plans by subject and school grade level.

Let’s look at a few example lesson plans specific to science:

• Mini grabber: Teaches simple mechanisms as well as the physics and mathematics behind the operation of the mini grabber.
• Mobility aids: By introducing disabilities and understanding accessibility, students will learn to work scientifically and pay attention to objectivity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, and reproducibility as they create solutions to identified problems.
• Rocket nozzles: Introduces students to the science behind rocket engines and one very interesting component, a rocket engine exhaust nozzle. It covers forces, energy, and measurement.
• Rubber band plane: This project examines the basic theory of flight principles and simple aerofoil designs. Students assemble and test their designs, which encourages further development and discussion to evaluate the designs.
• Tidal defenses: Students learn about tidal defenses and how shorelines and riverbanks are protected from hydraulic erosion.
  
  

2. Technology

Technology is everywhere, and many students will already have extensive experience using different tools. Since the study of technology includes manipulating materials and tools using various techniques, using 3D printers to teach this subject is a natural fit.
 
The potential use of 3D printing in technology lessons is vast, including designing, modeling, prototyping, and adapting projects. Students can replicate industrial practices and understand new and emerging technology. 3D technology can help pupils realize the far-reaching potential of their imaginations and provide a vehicle for covering many elements in the technology curriculum.

Looking specifically at technology-focused lesson plans, below is a selection of the resources in be3D Academy:

• Cell phone stand: This lesson encourages students to experiment with demonstration models and make design decisions about improving their design and aesthetics.
• Digital lathe printing: students explore the different types of lathes and their applications before designing and printing an ornate leg for a piece of furniture. By the end of this lesson, students should be able to evaluate 3D printing as a process compared to a digital lathe.
• Pictures in plastic: this introduces students to lithophanes using 3D printing to bring a 2D photo to life.
• Rocket nozzles: In this lesson, students design a model of a rocket nozzle optimized for 3D printing using TinkerCAD software.
  
  

3. Engineering

Providing students with the tools to learn STEAM fundamentals will help them in future studies and prepare them for a career in related fields. As one of the STEAM subjects, engineering is a vital skill for all students to become confident creators, inventors, and designers.

However, we need to move teaching engineering from a set of theories and facts and put it into practice to bring it to life. Students should have the opportunity to experience the engineering design process firsthand through problem-solving and thinking both creatively and critically.  

3D printers can inspire future generations of engineers by being part of the engineering process, challenging minds, and encouraging hands-on experimentation in the classroom. With no need for lengthy training sessions on using the be3D printer, students can experience engineering in real life.  

As teachers, you can engage and inspire students to build 3D models to assist in their learning and enhance their ability to problem-solve. Just as with other skills, 3D modeling requires learning and honing. Students can design, model, prototype, and adapt their projects by using 3D printing technology.  

Looking specifically at lessons that involve engineering concepts, below are examples of the projects you can introduce in your classroom from be3D Academy: 

• Astronaut Toolkit: Students are introduced to 3D printing in space and ISS (International Space Station) equipment. The lesson challenges students to design their own screwdriver bit or wrench for an astronaut. They then 3D print and modify their designs using the 3D printer.
• Casting Mold: Students are challenged to learn CAD modeling and digital sculpting tools to create a casting mold. They develop and communicate design ideas using computer-aided design. Examples are provided to explain the casting mold concept. 
• Cell Phone Stand: This lesson encourages students to experiment with demonstration models and make design decisions about improving their designs and aesthetics. 
• Da Vinci Bridge: Students assemble a model of Leonardo da Vinci’s bridge using the 3D model beams provided. They then design and 3D print their own set of beams and test the completed bridge to discover its load-bearing capacity. 
• Digital Lathe Printing: Students explore the different types of lathes and their applications before designing and printing an ornate leg for a piece of furniture. By the end of this lesson, students should be able to evaluate 3D printing as a process compared to a digital lathe. 
• Mousetrap Racers: Working in groups, students will design and 3D print components for a Mousetrap Racer. Then, they will look to make improvements to increase the distance the Mousetrap Racer travels. 
• Robots on Mars:  In this lesson, students will design a tool or piece of equipment to aid in ‘Mars innovation’.  
• Rubber Band Plane: Students work in groups to design and 3D print wings and horizontal stabilizers for a rubber band-powered plane. 

4. Art

Artists are renowned for their creativity, and art education encourages students to develop their motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, and risk-taking. By using their imagination, art students can express themselves creatively.

Introducing 3D printing into art lessons is a natural progression as it helps artists transform ideas into tangible works of art. Students can truly unleash their imagination to create new and exciting objects. From creating abstract sculptures to mechanical artwork, casting molds, and embossing, 3D printing can broaden perspectives and be used in a wide number of ways within the discipline of art. Works of art can be reproduced in 3D, with the likes of Van Gogh being brought to life in a new, tangible, and achievable way.
 
The use of 3D printing in the art world is rapidly increasing. There have been many high-profile examples of how 3D printing has been used in the fashion industry, with jewelry, dresses, and shoes being designed and created. Designers are creating intricate designs that could not be achieved otherwise. We are also seeing 3D printing being used to restore works of art, design theatre props, and create innovative musical instruments.
 
Teaching students about artistic culture allows customization, creativity, replication, and immeasurable possibilities. With a 3D printer, an artist has the means to create anything they can imagine.

Looking specifically at art lessons, below is a selection of the resources specific from be3D Academy:

• Castles: Students produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences. They will experiment with different types of towers and turrets as well as working on ways to improve the design and aesthetics of the demonstration models.
• Cell phone stand: This lesson encourages students to experiment with demonstration models and make design decisions on how to improve their design and aesthetics. Students will develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, oral and digital presentations, and computer-based tools.
• Digital sculpture: This lesson introduces students to the creation of 3D art using CAD modeling and digital sculpting tools. Students are challenged to use TinkerCAD or Fusion360 to create a basic 3D sculpture. This lesson uses a range of techniques and media, including painting. The process increases proficiency in the handling of different materials, and students also learn about the history of art, craft, design, and architecture.
• Pictures in plastic: This project introduces students to lithophanes, using 3D printing to bring a 2D photo to life. Students practice their photography skills to capture an image and then convert it into a lithophane before printing. They are encouraged to analyze and evaluate their work to strengthen the visual impact. Students will use a range of techniques to record observations in sketchbooks, journals, and other media.
• Vessels: In this lesson, students design and 3D print their own unique vessel models. As product managers for a perfume line, they will design a bottle that has to meet certain volume criteria. They produce creative work as they work through the design process.

With such exciting technology available today, we recognize that teachers are teaching the future. This generation of creativity can be encouraged and inspired like never before. be3D Academy has been intentionally created to help teachers pass on their passion to the artists of the future. Get ready to inspire your students and transform your art classes by unlocking the world of 3D printing.

5. Mathematics

Mathematics impacts almost every element of our daily lives, so it is no wonder that it is one of the core STEAM subjects. The subject helps students to develop reasoning and analytical skills as well as logical problem-solving dexterity. However, one difficulty faced in teaching mathematics is presenting abstract mathematical concepts and ideas to students in an engaging way. The use of 3D printing to teach math is a natural fit.
 
With 3D printing, teachers can easily explain mathematical concepts in a new and exciting way, stimulating the interest of students. By demonstrating numbers, shapes, and structures in 3D, ideas are brought to life. Through visualization and observation, 3D printing allows both teachers and students to gain fresh insight and depth into their learning.
 
3D printing can be used to understand mathematics in a whole new way, visualizing everything from basic geometry to fractals. Concepts can be converted from theoretical models into physical ones, enabling students to visually and tangibly experiment with a variety of mathematical concepts. Such tactile, hands-on learning leads to a deeper understanding and an inspired classroom, helping students further develop important skills like design thinking, problem-solving, and critical analysis.
 
Still, implementing 3D printing in the classroom can be tricky. One barrier is the time and knowledge needed to plan and use the technology and incorporate it into the curriculum. With this in mind, Y Soft worked with educators from all over the world to create be3D Academy. This free resource provides materials for teachers using 3D printing for STEAM subjects in their classrooms.

Looking specifically at mathematics lessons, below is a selection of the resources specifically for this subject in be3D Academy:

• Astronaut toolkit: Students will work mathematically and solve problems as they design and 3D print their own screwdriver bit or wrench for an astronaut’s toolkit.
• Da Vinci bridge: In this lesson, students assemble a model of Leonardo da Vinci’s bridge. They also design and 3D-print their own set of beams and test the completed bridge to discover its load-bearing capacity. This lesson will develop their mathematical knowledge through solving problems and evaluating the outcomes.
• Gearing up: Students learn about ratio, proportion, and rates of change as they study different gear ratios and design and 3D print their own gearing system. Using a simulator, they test the various effects of changing the number of cogs in a gear on a gearing system's rotational speed. Finally, they designed their own 3D gearing system to reduce rotational speed.
• Mini grabber: In this lesson, students will select and use appropriate calculation strategies to design and create a mini grabber. This lesson involves carrying out mathematical functions and measurements.
• Robots on Mars: This project introduces students to one of the challenges faced when building a permanent base on Mars. Students will design a tool or piece of equipment to be mounted on the “Mars Innovation” rover. One element of this lesson is to select appropriate concepts, methods, and techniques and apply them to this unfamiliar and non-routine problem.
• Tidal defenses: This lesson introduces students to tidal defenses and how shorelines and riverbanks are protected from hydraulic erosion. It supports math education by encouraging students to develop fluency, reason mathematically, and problem-solve.

3D printing is an exciting tool to add to your teaching arsenal. It unleashes a world of innovation, creativity, and curiosity in both students and teachers. Bringing the 3D printer into your math class can bring a complex and abstract subject to life with simple shapes.

3D Printing, STEAM, and Teachers

Teachers in full steam ahead

The tools to teach the fundamentals of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) subjects will help you prepare your students for the future. However, STEAM subjects often involve complex concepts. Traditional techniques are not always adequate for students who are having difficulty grasping concepts from textbooks and class discussions or who are just not interested in the subject.
 
As one teacher commented, the' aha' moment happens when students create their own 3D models, hold them in their hands, and make their own adjustments. And that is why 3D printing has become so instrumental in today’s classroom.

Finding the time

Time, or rather a lack of it, to create lessons that incorporate 3D printing is a common obstacle. What if there was an online resource created by teachers for teachers that provided ready-to-use 3D lesson plans, how-to guides, and 3D model files? If it were an extensive resource for educators looking to successfully integrate 3D printing in a way that challenged students with fun and interesting real-life projects?

We’ve been thinking about a 3D printing resource to provide you with all that and much more. And because all 3D printers are not created alike, you’d want to be assured that the lesson’s 3D model files worked on the printer you have.  All of this would allow you to spend more time doing what you do best: teaching your students.

Below are some examples of how 3D lessons can be used in each of the core STEAM subjects.

• Science: Challenge students to design objects like balloon-powered boats, rockets, and rubber band-powered cars to explore density, mass, energy, and much more. Other examples might include 3D-printed skeletons and bone structures, molecules, and body parts, as well as natural process models such as weathering and erosion.
• Technology: Turn your students into inventors who can solve real-world problems, such as creating bespoke cell phone cases, designing tools for less-abled members of society, and developing solar-powered devices.
• Engineering: Let your students unleash their imaginations by designing and engineering anything they can imagine. Projects such as bridge building or model racing cars can provide an engaging lesson that conveys the complex subject matter.
• Art: Bring your student's work to life and show them how to create abstract sculptures, mechanical artwork, clothing, or even casting molds.
• Math: Help your students visualize complex math subjects such as graphs, models of equations, and volumes.

All the above projects would indeed make subjects more engaging and enrich your students’ learning experience. Additionally, by working in groups, students learn how to work together as a team – a skill valued by today’s employers.