The constant and consistent call to action for
American education has been to increase their interest and performance in
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Additionally, a recent
clarion call has been issued to inform students about the important role of
manufacturing in our nation’s economic growth, homeland security, and desire to
remain the most competitive and innovative nation in the world. Educators have
discovered that robotics is a low-cost, effective method of providing engaging,
exciting, and enriching lessons in literacy, mathematics, science and
technology. Using robotics as a hook in K-12 education has become a successful
initiative for increasing the interest of both boys and girls in STEM career and
educational pathways.
The “Maker Movement” centered on 3D printing, is driving
a similar effect on STEM interest for our youth. With the ease of use and the availability
of 3D printers, formal and informal educators are using additive manufacturing
projects with students to peak their curiosity about “making” and manufacturing.
Just as robotics offers a relatively easy entry into programming and problem
solving, 3D printers can be the first step to introduce students to the
processes of planning, designing, making and testing their own ”products”.
Through the push of the maker movement, hobbyists’
insatiable demand for 3D printers have driven
the costs of printers down so
that they are fairly reasonable for most school districts and even families. The
software needed to make 3D models is accessible to students free of
charge. Students can download 3D CAD
software from Autodesk for free while younger students may use Autodesk’s
Tinkercad software online. The one crucial ingredient needed to really make 3D
printing ubiquitous in schools is curriculum and curriculum integration. Robotics
had a huge increase in momentum when educational institutions such as Carnegie
Mellon, Tufts, and Sinclair Community College developed and disseminated
curriculum, resources, and challenges that formal and informal educators could
use inside and outside the classroom. These curricula include alignment to
academic standards so teachers can integrate into their existing
curriculum. Many teachers need
professional development, but after a few targeted sessions together with good
curriculum, they are on their way. Across the country students began using
robots to design, build and program robots of all types and learning, and
reinforcing science, technology, engineering and math principles at the same
time.
The 2007 FLATE robotics camps for middle school
students were cutting edge and unique among summer camp offerings for kids.
FLATE’s Best Practice Guide for
Robotics Camp, published in 2009, has been distributed nationwide
and used by colleges, university, and non-profit groups everywhere to increase
STEM outreach efforts. Additionally, FLATE, in partnership with other
organizations, has coordinated professional development workshops to help
educators integrate robotics concepts into their classroom curriculum to meet
state standards in mathematics, science, literacy, and technology. A few other
organizations in Florida also started offering robotics camps, however, the
idea of teaching K-12 students to program robots was not mainstream five years
ago.
3D printing/additive manufacturing should follow a
similar path. In order for educators to stimulate
students with 3D printing,
standardized curriculum and integration models are needed. 3D modeling can help students understand some
advanced math concepts in geometry, algebra and trigonometry. Science students
can discover the differences in materials used for manufacturing. 3D printing, like
robotics, can help students develop teamwork skills, improved problem-solving
skills and expose students to the engineering design process. Structured
lessons for all secondary levels and educator professional development will
provide the support that education needs to use 3D printing as another powerful
tool to engage students in relevancy of STEM in their everyday lives and
provide the opportunities for them to explore and consider STEM career paths.
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