10 Reasons 3D Printing Has Completely Changed the Way I Teach

When my school first got a 3D printer, I wasn’t sure what to expect. There’s been a lot of hype around 3D printing in education, and even as the technology teacher at my school, I wasn’t sure how my students and colleagues would take to it. Now, 10 years later, I can’t imagine teaching without one. Here are some of the ways 3D printing has changed our school:

1. It is deeply meaningful learning. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine if students could hold that picture as a 3D object, one that they designed and created, in their own hands. It changes how they see and understand the world.
2. It can be used for every subject, in every grade level. At my school, we use 3D printing in math, English, social studies—you name it. As the technology teacher, I incorporate 3D printing into mini-capstone projects all the time. And our school district uses the 3D printers with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.Kindergartners working on printing their names, then printing them out with the 3D printer.
3. 3D printing offers authentic, real-world learning. I’ve invited local engineers to come and speak with my students and challenge them to print various projects. We have made plans for a company that makes high-end field groomers for the NFL and MLB, for example.
4. It leads to deeper conversations. 3D printing helps students develop critical-thinking and creative problem-solving skills. For example, one of my students just created a prototype of a Breathalyzer car key. Another group of students is searching for a way to make braces that would allow them to eat anything they want.
5. It helps students become more involved on a personal level with subject matter. Would you rather talk about 3D shapes or make one on a 3D printer? Would you rather read about war memorials or build one yourself? Using a 3D printer helps personalize lessons. 
6. It raises engagement. One of the most surprising impacts of 3D printing has been on classroom management. I have zero behavior issues. My students are motivated. They want to print. They leave their issues at the door because they are intrinsically motivated by the idea of creating their own inventions.
7. It inspires kids to think big. My mantra in my junior high classroom is What is your legacy? What are you going to leave behind here? 3D printing is allowing them to create their own legacies.
8. It teaches failure. My problem with school is we don’t teach failure. 3D printing teaches you how to do things better. It teaches you to fail and try again to get better. Once kids know that failure is part of the process, they aren’t afraid to try out different ideas.
9. Kids can use 3D printing to help others. I like to show my students this inspiring video about a group of high schoolers that developed a prosthetic arm for a little girl in their community:
10. Teachers can surrender control! My students’ use and applications of 3D printing far exceeds ours as teachers. Consequently, I’ve learned I don’t need to be in control all the time—I just need to get out of the way and go along for the ride.