Stratasys Launches Free 3D Printing Education Modules for Middle and High School Levels

As the education sector undergoes many uncertain changes due to curriculum reform and testing protocols, one thing is certain: there’s a desire for educators to incorporate new technologies into classrooms. Part of this is due to the fact that the emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) is an aspect of recent curricular overhauls, but there’s also the individual desires of educators who see the potential in the new technologies for facilitating exciting hands-on learning experiences for their students. Now, Stratasys announces its new free 3D printing education modules for middle and high school levels, which people are already expressing quite an interest in using in their classrooms.

There are seven 3D printing education modules in this new education offering from Stratasys, and each module can be adapted to fit students’ needs. The modules include all of the elements that educators need, with the overall goal of taking students through the development life cycle of a 3D printed product, in order to make clear curriculum choices. There are clear learning objectives and design criteria and processes; beginning with a concept sketch, the class moves into a 3D CAD design, and ends with a 3D printed part. One example of a 3D printed part is the ear bud holder design that can be 3D printed in a beginners one-week long module. Modules will be made available throughout the 2016 school year.

One seventh grade teacher at Minnesota’s Big Lake Middle School, Mike Hill, wants to try out these new modules using the school’s Stratasys Mojo 3D Printer, noting:

“For the students, it’s exciting to see a sketch become a 3D part they can touch and feel by the end of the lesson. It’s a project they can truly have fun doing while also being closely relevant to the overall class objectives.”

Another educator, Michael Santolupo, is a Stratasys customer and John Paul II Catholic Secondary High School teacher from London, Ontario. Santolupo helped Stratasys create the modules and try them out in the classroom context. Santolupo explains:

“These modules are a great guide for instructors, helping them to integrate 3D printing into their teaching strategy. They’re also vital to the students, empowering them to revolutionize their understanding of the design and making process while maximizing their potential at such an early stage.”

It’s a very good move for Stratasys to involve educators in the module design and implementation process because there can be a gap between lessons on paper and the sometimes messier real-world classroom environment. Stratasys’ North American Education Manager, Jessie Roitenberg, sees these new 3D printing education modules as a significant development in Stratasys’ overall education program:

“The launching of Stratasys’ post-secondary curriculum modules is the first step in providing support to educators and students who are integrating 3D printing in the classroom.”

Supporting educators who can then help students navigate through what can be an intimidating lesson in a new transformative technology is key for the 3D printing industry’s success reaching more classroom environments through STEAM lesson plans. It looks like Stratasys is off to a great start with these new modules, and you can get a sneak peek now at the Ear Bud Holders module and take a look at Stratasys’ other 3D printing education-related materials and resources on its Curriculum page. Discuss this new plan for learning in the Stratasys 3D Printing Educational Modules forum over at 3DPB.com.