Recently, the Dawson purchased a 3D printer for the Lower School. We got a really nice TAZ 4 Lulzbot made by Aleph Objects in Loveland Colorado. Although I’ve had some problems getting it ready for student use, I am now ready to start 3D modeling and printing lessons for all grade levels in January. It’s my hope that students enjoy this skill, and that it becomes a regular part of our curriculum. I would love for students to be designing and printing objects all year long. We are going to learn a free program from Autodesk named 123D Design. It allows you to easily create 3D models, which can be used in conjunction with our printer to physically create the object in plastic form. As you can see by the photo of our 1st grade girls in the picture, it’s an amazing and captivating process (we were printing a snowflake).
I truly believe that 3D printers are moving out of the lab and into our homes over the coming decade. The advent of high quality and low cost 3D printing will bring about massive change in businesses, creative processes, and consumer purchasing. I also believe that 3D modeling is an important 21st century technology skill. The following video does a great job of explaining the importance of 3D printing in society. If you’d like a demo, please visit me in the Lower School computer lab. I’d be happy to show you how it works.
I truly believe that 3D printers are moving out of the lab and into our homes over the coming decade. The advent of high quality and low cost 3D printing will bring about massive change in businesses, creative processes, and consumer purchasing. I also believe that 3D modeling is an important 21st century technology skill. The following video does a great job of explaining the importance of 3D printing in society. If you’d like a demo, please visit me in the Lower School computer lab. I’d be happy to show you how it works.