172. Stop Buying 3D Printers!

Show Summary:Do you use a 3D printer in your classroom? In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha dive into the reality of owning and using 3D printers in the classroom. These machines definitely bring the ‘wow’ factor, but are they really worth the hype? From bridges to weather balloons, we share our experiences incorporating 3D printing into our design challenges. But these projects also came with a lot of headaches including an overwhelming time commitment and ultimately unclear learning outcomes. Join us as we discuss why it might be time to hit pause on the 3D printer craze and rethink their role in your curriculum.Links from the Show:Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes115. How to Design a MakerspacePrototyping:- 113. From Miniatures to Mariners: The Power of Prototyping- 120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM144. Another Year of Smashing STEM (bridging classroom objects)90. We Launched a Weather BalloonVivify STEM Blog Posts10 Must Have STEM ToolsLaunching Weather BalloonsVivify STEM LessonsAustralia Safety Capsule STEM ChallengeBridge Engineering STEM ChallengeWeather Balloon Launch: STEM Engineering Project GuideSemester STEM Units (includes Space Colony!): choose from Moon or Mars themes!Other STEM ResourcesCAD Software:- SOLIDWORKS- Tinkercad- CATIA- Revit (for students)Rube Goldberg contestsSubscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTESTHE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUPVIVIFY INSTAGRAMVIVIFY FACEBOOKVIVIFY TWITTERVIVIFY TIKTOK