How to 3D Print in Your Classroom

You’ve made the decision to include 3D printing into your classroom curriculum. Amazing!

But how do you actually get started? I’m going to give you two steps to start printing, and you can do them both today!

Step 1: Put it on your calendar. Decide when and where you want to include 3D printing this year, and put it on your calendar now. This gives you a goal to work toward!

Step 2: Decide what program you want to use to teach 3D design. Even before you pick out a 3D printer, you should decide what program you want to use to teach 3D design.

If you decide on a program and platform now, you can get comfortable with it prior to teaching your students. I’ve been teaching 3D design to both teachers and students for years, and my favorite program for both beginner teachers and beginner students is an easy choice. It’s Tinkercad.

Why Tinkercad?

• It’s free to use.

• It’s chromebook-friendly.

• It has great classroom management tools for teachers.

• It has many features for both beginners and advanced designers.

Most importantly, you can get off the ground and use it on day one, even if you are brand-new to 3D design. In fact, you can give it a try right now! There are lots of great online resources to help you learn.

Let us know if you’ve taken the first two steps toward getting 3D printing started in your classroom this year!