3D printers in elementary schools

3D Printing in Elementary Schools: Making It Fun and Easy

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3D printers are becoming more and more common in elementary schools, but teachers are struggling to figure out exactly how to use them. They might seem intimidating at first, and getting started is definitely the hardest step in bringing 3D printing to your elementary school.

Have no fear! Here at Teach Your Kids Code we’re about to show you just how EASY it is to get started with 3D printing for kids. You won’t believe how fast you can have your kids printing cool and useful objects with your 3D printer.

What are 3D Printers? 

First, 3D printers make solid objects out of light plastic. These objects are created by adding layer after layer of this plastic. Each 3D printer uses a modeling program that is run on a computer, laptop, or tablet.  

Before buying a beginner 3D printer for your classroom. It’s best to understand how it all works. You can read our ultimate guide to 3D printing with kids here.  

What’s the difference between a 3D Printer and a 3D pen?

3D pens and 3D printers both create 3D dimensional objects using melted plastic filaments.

3D printers print plastic objects using computer aided design software. The user creates the design on a computer and the 3D printer will print it out exactly to their specifications. This allows the user to make complex and itricate deisgns.

3D pens require manual skill from the user operating the pen. You need to hold the pen and extrude the filament properly in order to ‘draw’ your design. 3D pens take practice and require some artistic skills. There are a lot of awesome 3D pens for kids and its another great way to learn about 3D design.

What To Know About 3D Printers 

Teachers need to consider some important things when deciding on the right printer for 3D printing in elementary schools. The easier the printer, the more students will be able to use it. Some things to consider when deciding on the right 3D printer are: 

Affordability

Most printers for use in the classroom range from $300-$500. Although its a big expense, there are loads of useful objects you can print for your classroom that will make your 3D printer pay off quickly. We’ve compiled a list of the best 3D printers for kids here.

Durability 

Teachers always set rules and go over expectations. But we know students are not always careful, and accidents happen. The printers that are best for 3D printing for elementary schools are ones that can handle a tumble from a desk. The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer is the printer we use and is a great option.

If the printer will be moving locations, consider getting a 3D printing cart. Many have storage shelves to hold PLA filament, the printer and anything else needed. 

Safety

Teachers always need to think about safety when bringing in the 3D printer. Before letting students work with the printer, there are some quick safety rules you want to consider. 

Here are some safety guidelines to ensure children are safe while using a 3D printer. 

• Students need to wash their hands before and after using the printer. Oils from the skin can affect the print quality.
• The area where the printer is kept should be wiped down before and after use. The print surface should be wiped with isopropyl alcohol (adult supervision needed)
• No eating, drinking, or chewing gum around the machine while it is printing. 
• The print head gets extremely hot. If you don’t have a self-contained printer students need to stand back from the printer while its plugged in. Printers should be stored up high away from small hands where possible.
• Always check the printer before use, check for damages, exposed wiring, etc. 
• PLA filament is preferred due to it being odourless and without fumes. Opening a window is still always a great idea.

Customer Service 

Picking a machine with good customer service and tech support is important. 3D printers are expensive, and sometimes support is needed. We’ve been happy with the support we’ve received from our Flashforge Finder 3.0 3D printer.

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• ✅ 【260℃ High Temperature Nozzle & Support Various Filament】High filament compatibility. More printing possibilities. Finder 3 3d printer shows great performance on 3d printing PLA/ABS/HIPS/PETG/PETG PRO/TPU 95A and etc.
• ✅ 【Glass Platform & PEI Magnetic Build Plate】Good adhesion to the printed model and enables fast heating up of the heat bed. The build plates is not only durable but also flexible. Once the printing completes, users can remove the printed model effortlessly.

Beginner 3D Printing Tutorial

If you are looking for an easy starter tutorial and project for the classroom then check out our 3D printed name tag tutorial. Students will design their own custom nametag keychain using the free 3D desgin software TinkerCad. This is a beginner level project that is a perfect way to break-in your new 3D printer.

7 Ideas for 3D Printing in Elementary Schools 

Think of all the lesson plans that can be modified or changed with the access of a 3D printer, and hopefully, one day, every elementary school will have multiple 3D printers available. These printers can be great teaching tools for science, technology, math, STEAM education, and others. They also can help elementary students with communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Here are some 3D printing activities for elementary schools.

3D Printing and Coding

3D printing can help students learn the basics of block-based coding. Coding is emerging part of the curriculum and learning coding skills has many benefits beyond the computer. Here at Teach Your Kids Code we’ve designed a 3D Code + Print tutorial where students can design their own 3D snowflake.

3D Printing Project Based Learning

Project based learning is a great way to get students thinking about the real world and using the lessons they have learned in ELA, math, science, etc., to help them develop a project to show their understanding. 3D printing in elementary schools will allow students to bring their projects to life and project-based learning up a notch!

3D Printing For History and Social Studies

Many of the social studies curriculums in elementary school revolve around maps. Let your students print physical maps of the countries, states, or regions you study. Students can create even create dinosaur fossils, replicas of different physical landforms, or even a leaning tower of Pisa or other famous landmarks from the area you are studying. 

Check out this free world map 3D printing file here.

3D Printing for Math

There are many ways to use 3D printing in math! Area, volume, fractions, and decimals are just a few topics where 3D printing could enhance learning. Teachers and students can use 3D printing to create pieces that can be used for math manipulatives like fraction tiles, place value tools, and basic operations symbols. Imagine the joy of never having to buy unifix cubes or 100 blocks again! 

Some specific lessons where 3D printing can be used are if your students are learning about fractions, volume, or area. Have them can create a fraction pizza and figure out exactly how many “pieces” they need to cut to create a “whole” pizza. They will quickly learn how fractions change with a delicious 3D pizza in front of them. If working with volume or area, they can create different rectangles and determine the volume or area of each other’s creations. 

Check out this free fractions math manipulative 3D printing file.

3D Printing of Puzzles

3D printing in elementary schools can offer students many opportunities to work with partners to create. One way is to have students work in groups to create a puzzle. Give specifics for each team, such as 25 pieces, all must fit together, and it must create a picture or graphic—a great way to learn about teamwork, color, graphics, and more. 

You can even create educational puzzles to keep in your classroom from year to year. There are a ton of 3D-printed puzzles available here. 

3D Printing for Creative Thinking

Let your students design something they think would be helpful, cool, or just exciting. Give students open-ended questions like:

•  What can you create to help solve a real-world problem?
• What is an invention that can make kids’ lives easier?

Let them work together and go through the steps of the thinking and design process. You never know. Your students could be the next famous modern-day inventors! 

Students can use the free software TinkerCad to build their designs.

3D Printing for Music

If you want to incorporate music into the 3D world and get students thinking about different cultures and the music they play. Students can create musical instruments from those cultures and try to learn how to play them. A great cross-curriculum activity for social studies!

Check out this free egg-shaped flute 3D printing file here.

3D Printing in Science

3D printing in elementary schools and science go hand in hand. Students who are studying biology could recreate the brain, human organs, and the skeletal system. Students can bring back the dinosaurs, create a cell diagram, and more! 

Check out this free 3D frog dissection kit.

3D Printing in Elementary Schools

Bringing 3D printers and this amazing printing technology into the classroom can change how students learn STEM topics and subjects. There are many projects students can complete and become engaged in. Just find the right ones to get started with! 

Kaitlyn Siu

Kate is mom of two rambunctious boys and a self-proclaimed super nerd. With a background in neuroscience, she is passionate about sharing her love of all things STEM with her kids. She loves to find creative ways to teach kids computer science and geek out about coding and math.  She has authored several books on coding for kids which can be found at Hachette UK.

8 3D Printers For Schools That Will Surely Blow Your Mind

Have you ever wondered why a 3D printer might be good for a school? Do you think schools that teach STEM can use a 3D printer? If you thought no, then think again!

We are going to tell and after we tell you you'll learn about which 3D printers are best for stem schools. Around the world, more schools are looking for ways to get creative with teaching. Students become bored if teachers don't spice up their teaching style.

With technology and access to it on the rise, students become bored much more easily than before. We understand this, so if you're an educator check out our list of best printers for schools that teach STEM. The options on our list are great for keeping students engaged. They also allow educators to work their magic.

Why are 3D printers good for schools?

You can add multiple dimensions of learning with the new technology which has far-reaching benefits. When you add up the positives of a 3D printer it is easy to see why many talented educators, like yourself, are starting to adopt this new technology. 

Still, knowing which printer is best to help your students reach their learning outcomes is challenging. Some manufacturers make lesson planning simple by giving you materials to use with their printers. Others have online platforms that inspire you to use the printer in ways you might not have thought about.

Then, there are the differences in the printers themselves. What will work best for elementary or high school students? Do the printers offer safe functions for young learners? Perhaps for high school, you can forgo the durable options and choose a printer that offers features instead. Taking this into account, we're here to tell you which printers are a go, and which are a no. 

We thought about the costs of setting up a 21st-century classroom because buying many printers at once can cost a lot. We want this to be your definitive guide to preparing your students for their best future. So, we'll also show you how to use your printers to get the most bang for your buck. 

What 3D printers do schools use?

Each school is going to be different because they have unique students. However, it' easy to see that all schools will choose a printer that has obvious features like:

• Educational tools
• Heated platforms
• Print area
• 3D printing technology

But, which printer is best for you? Let's get into our list so you can see why you need a 3D printer for teaching STEM.

What are the best 3D printers for schools?

Our list is meant to take the hard work out of choosing a printer that will undoubtedly raise student engagement. So, without wasting any more time, here they are.

1. Dremel - 3D40-FLX-01

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We all know that tangible objects keep students engaged and wanting to work. It doesn't matter if you're teaching college students or youngsters, hands-on activities keep students focused. This 3D printer is a budget-friendly option that won't use up all of your cash. If your school curriculum has a STEM or STEAM component this printer can help you meet learning goals.

• Customer technical knowledge support
• Hot extruder up to 230 degrees
• 3.5-inch touch screen
• Excellent print quality

The build volume of this printer is 10 x 6.0 x 6.7 inches and, yes! You can print hollow objects. You can now take any animated object and turn it into a real-life object. Your students will love printing 3D objects, and as a teacher, you will glow when you see how much they're learning. If you're teaching older students then making anatomic models is a breeze, too!

The only downside to this printer is that it is made for people who are just beginning to use the technology. if you're an experienced use - stay tuned. We've got something for you on our list.

2. R QIDI Industrial Printer

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If you're struggling to teach engineering concepts and find your students are lost in a daze, this printer can solve that for you. Layer by layer, your students will fixate on the powerful tools that 3D technology gives you. The picture shows that printing internal organs is simple - so it will make lessons plans go more smoothly.

The printer for schools is one of the more expensive machines on our list, but for great reasons.

• Prints with all types of filament (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU)
• Dual extruders
• User-friendly 3D printer
• Heated print bed (250-300 celsius)

Printing high-quality objects have never been easier, and for teachers, time is too valuable. The price range is a bit high, but the company also gives you 1KG of red filament free when you buy this. Lesson plans become faster and you become more efficient when you use this printer. The negative side of this printer is the initial cost.

However, if you can afford it - it's an excellent option for you and your students.

3. Flashforge Adventurer 3C

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If you need to learn the fundamentals of 3D printing, this might be the printer for you. You can use a variety of filament types and the slide-in build plate makes it very sturdy. This is an excellent choice for teachers who want a simple 3D printing process. It's a printer for beginners, but it will get the job done if you're an experienced user.

• Physical graphic design
• Third-party filaments
• Flexible plate and PEI included
• Detailed review information on amazon

3D printing in schools has benefits and this printer allows you to unleash your potential. Since this is a beginner model, you can find a faster print speed on other models. So, if you're looking for an ultra-fast model this might not be for you. Still, the flexible build plate makes it a perfect option for any teacher who wants to print physical objects to engage students.

Advanced students will love the flexibility of this printer and it makes using the printer focusing for them. Don't wait and grab yours now before they are all gone.

4. QIDI X-one2 Single Extruder 3D Printer

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This printer is adorable and it is perfect for an elementary STEM classroom. The printer would also be ideal for curriculum creating training for a stem setting because you can print dinosaurs! Technology and engineering teachers, you won't want to miss out on this printer. The setup process is simple and makes an excellent setup experience.

The SD card included comes with powerful software, but not just any software. The company gives you 3D modeling software so you can see what you will print before you waste your filament. Watch your students' 3D designs come to life as they build 3D models of buildings, cars, and toys for STEM projects. There's a wide range of possibilities with this printer.

• Heated build plate
• Manual print bed leveling
• 1/2 inch print layer height

The only drawback that might make this printer a no-go is the lack of an LCD screen. However, since it is a budget-friendly 3d printer it's a great choice for schools. Don't worry about expensive printers for the classroom, this one gives you all the bang you need for being a cheap printer.

5. Dremel Digilab 3D20

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If you want to be the cool teacher but you're worried about 3D printing technology - Dremel has a solution. They offer an online community of tech support leaders to help you understand this machine. The cloud-based slicing software offered by Dremmel is top-notch, so what you're getting is going to be good. This printer, unlike others on our list, is great for an advanced user.

The software and tech support mean this is the easiest-to-use 3D printer package for teachers who need some help.

• LCD Display
• Customer Support included
• Printing material is non-toxic, recyclable, and plant-based PLA filament
• Fast speed for high print volume

The ease of setup and use make this an excellent option for teachers who need support. However, one downfall is that the printer does not have automatic bed leveling. You need to manually level the bed using the software provided to you.

6. Official Creality Ender Printer

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Do you work in an area prone to power outages? This printer has a lapse function that can pause your print job and resume it when you get power back. It would be a great option for people who need a printer that can heat up quickly. The kit comes semi-assembled, so it is perfect for teachers who need more time.

• Great for kids
• High precision printing
• Ideal for STEM projects

The printer is quick and has a large bed so you can create most sized projects easily. Current printers have a range of heating up speeds and ease of use technology, but this one wins and makes it a perfect choice for any educator.

The downfall to this printer is that it is not enclosed, but kids would love to see this printer in action. So, is it really a negative aspect? If you want your students engaged, grab one of these because they are selling fast!

7.

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Hey STEM teachers, you can't get better than this printer! It is the perfect classroom 3D printer. The cover keeps small fingers far from danger, and it is easy to set up and use. If you buy this printer your students will love to watch it print the different layers as you make whatever you need.

• High speed
• Resin Printer
• ANYCUBIC Photon workshop software included
• Aluminum platform

This printer is a bit bigger than others on our list, so if you have a small classroom this might not be the ideal printer for you. If you have the space, it's an easy choice because this one is packed with functionality.

8. Artillery Sidewinder

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Hey STEM teachers, you can't get better than this printer! It is the perfect classroom 3D printer. The cover keeps small fingers far from danger, and it is easy to set up and use. If you buy this printer your students will love to watch it print the different layers as you make whatever you need.

• High speed
• Resin Printer
• ANYCUBIC Photon workshop software included
• Aluminum platform

This printer is a bit bigger than others on our list, so if you have a small classroom this might not be the ideal printer for you. If you have the space, it's an easy choice because this one is packed with functionality.

STEM Lessons for your printer

Now that we have seen the best printers for an educational setting, you might be wondering how you can use them. The possibilities are endless with a 3d printer and we are going to show you how to increase engagement with some lesson plans.

The first lesson plan is essential for the current pandemic. You can also teach your students the mechanics of simple machines. For this lesson, you will make a hands-free sanitizer dispenser. A 3D model will help your students to plan and better understand the engineering design process. Here you can see that a 3D printer is a powerful learning tool.

Every school year we struggle to find ways to engage our students. This project has a range of applications for the STEM classroom and to help you create 21st-century learners. You will guide your students to build a quadcopter that they can fly. You can help them understand the engineering design process.

Once you complete the model you can see how far up it can fly. If the first try is not successful use the opportunity to teach your students the importance of never giving up.

This is a great project for those classrooms that have thirsty students and a sink. Using the printer you will design a water diverter. When you block off the flow of water you can create an easy way to get a drink. Teach your students about water flow and how water moves. If their diverter doesn't work well the first time create a shorter diverter.

If the diverter still doesn't work you can talk about low water pressure and see if your students can modify the diverter to make enough pressure to get a drink. The possibilities are endless for this project.

Are you a teacher who dreads math? You won't dread it when you have a 3D printer. You can easily show students how to make a modular frame and teach them many aspects of math. Using a printed modular frame you can teach your students:

• Measurements
• Area
• Surface Area
• Perimeter

Or, you can also teach them how to make a modular city and throw in some social studies learning. We recommend having your students make a board game they can play. That is a sure way to keep them learning while having fun!

Your kids are going to love this project. You need to buy a raspberry pi to make it fully functional, but it will allow you to add an element of computer engineering for a wider range of applications. You will use the printer to make a personal computer. 

Mobile devices consume our life daily. So, this is the perfect project for keeping your students engaged and giving them real-world application.

Should you get a 3D printer?

Of course! If you are still doubting whether or not to get a 3D printer, look back at all the amazing things you can do with one. In case you've forgotten here are the best things you can do with this new technology:

• Raise student engagement
• Increase student productivity
• Become the star teacher
• Teach students valuable life skills

As educators, our main goal is always to keep students engaged and wanting to learn. With 3D printing technology, we don't have to try to keep our students learning. We know that when students have fun, they learn more. When students learn more, they feel successful. Success as a teacher makes us happy.

Having seen everything that a printer can do for STEM education, you should be convinced to buy one. We recommend any printer on this list because we know they work. Teachers have tried them and loved them, and told us their experiences. So, start your school year off by prepping your students to be creative and productive learners.

Buy a 3D printer and unleash all the potential that your students have. You will boost their creativity, teach them about collaboration (a crucial skill), and because of collaborating they will learn how to communicate clearly and effectively.

What are you waiting for? Grab one of these printers before they are all gone. Many of them have excellent deals at the moment, so the moment is right for buying. We hope you enjoyed our list of printers. We know you can see the value in these products as the smart teacher you are. Have a great start to the school year and keep the momentum until June!

3D printer at school, everything you need to know

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3D printer at school, everything you need to know

Just think, you could use a 3D printer to physically shape each lesson plan. Which 3 D printer is ideal for working with children.

3D printing provides a whole new level of creative learning and understanding for students. And thanks to its affordability, 3D printers in the classroom are no longer a fantasy.

3D printing can be used at all levels of education, from elementary schools to universities. Not to mention the fact that almost any object, with the help of a 3D printer, becomes more understandable and interesting. And it's not as hard to integrate 3D printing into the curriculum as you might think...

A 3D printer in the classroom solves a number of important problems at once, such as:

• Capturing the interest of students