3D printing builds students’ creativity and imagination, but it also teaches them how to apply these skills in real life – to explore usability and practicability, and test the limits of their knowledge and the possibilities of the technology.
The opportunity to turn their own idea into reality is very satisfying, motivating them to finish even longer and more complicated projects. It allows them to collaborate and actively research information – these technologies are built on a community that shares its knowledge with each other. It illustrates phenomena from different school subjects at the same time, from geometry in drawing a 3D model to chemistry and physics in exploring the properties of different materials in printing (melting point, hardness, elasticity, thermal expansion, etc.).
Operating a 3D printer is no more complicated than operating a conventional computer and it is easy for students and teachers to acquire the necessary knowledge. 3D printing technology is no longer just the preserve of scientists and technology enthusiasts but has something to offer you and your school.
We have been using 3D printing for several years
We have been using 3D printing for several years now in almost all professional sections of our Technical Youth Club in Litoměřice. We use it to produce, for example, parts of functional models of aircraft and ships, or projects in electrical engineering and robotics. We even print accessories for our sewing workshop.
Zbyněk Rudolf • Head of department TKM Litoměřice
Workshop vise
Design and manufacture of a small workshop vise, similar to the type offered by the YORK vise manufacturer. Technically oriented disciplines, technical schools, technical clubs.
Getting to know leaves and PrusaSlicer
Students will convert real autumn leaves into a 3D model, which they will then edit in Slicer and prepare for printing. Recommended for elementary school students, approximately 4th - 6th grade. Good to combine with, for example, art or work activities. It is also possible to combine the production with the subsequent recognition of the individual leaves and their matching in a science subject.
Chemical template
Students will model and print a template for drawing chemical glassware and formulas (TinkerCad tool). Alternative: Pupils model and print the template as an aid to any other subject.
3D solid model in GeoGebra
Students model a 3D solid in the mathematical application Geogebra. In it, they mark the most commonly used segments (diagonals, heights,...) and also cuts (triangles, rectangles,...).
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