Using 3D Printing in Science for Elementary Teachers

Abstract

3D printing technology is an emerging educational tool that is becoming increasingly available in schools, public libraries, museums, and higher education institutions. Oftentimes, 3D printers are underutilized because instructors have limited experience with this technology and do not know how to integrate it into curricula. This chapter describes how 3D printing technology can be (1) introduced in a science teacher preparation program as a means of engaging prospective elementary teachers in active, collaborative, problem-based learning and (2) integrated into an existing science curriculum. We designed a 3D Printing Science Project to model a lesson for prospective teachers that they could implement with their future students in the elementary science classroom. After completing the project, prospective teachers reported a moderately high usefulness and ease of use of 3D printing technology and significantly higher design thinking abilities and attitudes toward science and teaching science. An analysis of participants’ project reflections, classroom discussions, and 3D printed objects provided further insight into their collaborative design experiences.