Practical projects with school 3D printers

School 3D printers are a great learning tool, but what can they do to help school life? Here are a few ideas for practical projects for you to try.

Steve
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Steve
Published: July 28, 2017

 

School 3D printers are a great way to engage students with the curriculum and day-to-day school life.

We know they’re great tools for the curriculum – historians can replicate ancient artefacts, scientists can create representations of molecules, and geographers can see representations of the earth’s crust. But can school 3D printers be more than just a learning tool?

We dug a little deeper to find out.

What practical objects can you make with school 3D printers?

A key attraction of school 3D printers is that it creates tangible products students can hold and use to further their education.

However, if you create objects with practical applications, it’ll prove the process has a purpose and will cement their learning. It may also improve the school’s operations, sense of community and the student’s sense of ownership and responsibility. Here are a few objects which can be made by school 3D printers.

Laptop/iPad stand

Laptops and iPads are being used more and more in classrooms. However, many people forget that they need to be accurately positioned to create a better learning environment – especially for students with special needs.

So, why not task your student with creating stands for both of these items? Some could attach to desks, some to wheelchairs, and some to various points around the classroom.

You could also ask your students to create cable tidies too. This will make sure your wires won’t get tangled up.

These applications will show students how their creations can be used in day-to-day life, as well as improve device effectiveness and student well-being.

Culinary equipment

The food-tech room is where 3D printing can really come into its own. Here are just a few things your students could make:

  • Lemon juicer.
  • Cookie cutters.
  • Rolling pins.
  • Cups and bowls.
  • Measuring spoons.
  • Cake/jelly moulds.

Replacement parts

Instead of paying for a professional to come out and fix a door handle, why not ask your students to print a replacement?

It saves your school money and allows your pupils to learn a new practical skill that may help them in later life.

Cups for water coolers

Instead of chucking away plastic cups every time a student wants a drink, get them to print their own and keep using it!

You can tie this into teaching them about eco-friendly living, maths by getting them to take measurements of your water coolers and allow their creativity to flourish by letting them personalise the cups through colour and inscriptions.

Pen pots and paper weights

Trying to keep the school tidy can be a difficult task. So, get the students to create classroom or table pen pots that people can use throughout the school.

Then ask them to make interesting and unusual paperweights as an additional task. You could even host competitions for the best one!

Coat hooks

Get students using your school 3D printer right at the start of the year by asking them to design and print their own hook.

This adds an element of personalisation to the cloakroom, and is a great way to inspire creativity.

Hopefully, these ideas have got you thinking about practical projects for your school 3D printers. Start planning your lessons today, and maybe have a test-run of a few designs before asking the students to do it too.

If you want to know more about school 3D printers, get in touch with Utility Rentals