Summary
How can 3D printers be used authentically to support learning? In this session, participants will be able to distinguish between examples vs. non-examples of authentic 3D printing. Participants will view a LEARN lesson and maker challenge that applies authenticity using a 3D printer, extracting the points of authenticity within the lesson. Participants will have the chance to explore resources for creating 3D prints and connecting printing to the curriculum by exploring sites for downloading and creating their own products. Learn tips, tricks, pitfalls, and paths to successfully and authentically support learning through 3D printing. Bring your own device as you will get a chance to design prints of your own.
Essential Questions
How can 3D printers be used authentically to support learning?
Learning Goals
Distinguish between examples vs. non-examples of authentic 3D printing.
Brainstorm and develop ways to integrate 3D printing into the curriculum.
Build competencies in basic 3D modeling using Tinkercad.
Materials List
Presentation Slides (attached)
Laptop / Tablet with access to the Tinkercad website
Authenticity Framework (attached; 1 per participant)
Authenticity Learning and Teaching Chart (attached; 1 per participant)
Follow the Green, Not the Dream Lesson (attached; 1 per participant)
Jigsaw handout (attached; 1 per participant)
Tinkercad Scavenger Hunt handout (attached; 1 per participant)
Sticky notes
Pens or pencils
3D printed model examples
Engage
15 Minute(s)
As participants enter, have slide 2 displayed and encourage them to create a Tinkercad educator account that they will use later in the session.
Use slides 3-5 to make introductions and share session essential questions and objectives.
Move to slide 6. Ask participants to look at the examples of 3D prints on their tables. Ask participants: "Which prints do you think enhance instruction? Why?" Have participants record their ideas on sticky notes. Take note of any misconceptions and plan to address them later in the session.
Explore
20 Minute(s)
Display slide 7 and hand out copies of the Authenticity Framework, Authenticity Learning and Teaching Chart, Follow the Green, Not the Dream Lesson, and Jigsaw Handout note catcher. Review the components of authenticity and then move to slide 8 to introduce the Jigsaw activity. Explain that each group will read a different part of the lesson to look for evidence of authenticity. Assign groups the following sections:
Engage and Evaluate
Explore 1 and Explain 1
Explore 2 and Explain 2
Extend
Display slide 9 to give groups time to read, record, and reflect on what they noticed in the lesson. Call on each small group to share out with the larger group what they noticed.
Explain
10 Minute(s)
Display slide 10. Take this opportunity to share out other examples you have of authentically integrating 3D printing into the curriculum. Call on participants to share any examples they have as well.
Extend
30 Minute(s)
Display slide 11. Provide a printed or digital copy of the Tinkercad Scavenger Hunt handout and instruct participants to follow the QR code or link (http://k20.ou.edu/3d-tinkercad). Instruct participants to complete all of the direct starters and mark their progress in the scavenger hunt document. Once participants have completed the starters, instruct them to answer the reflection questions at the bottom of the scavenger hunt document.
Display slide 12. Ask participants to share out based on the reflection prompts in the presentation:
What was the easiest thing you did? The most challenging?
What application of curriculum standards do you see?
Evaluate
10 Minute(s)
Once participants have had time to explore Tinkercad, lead a group discussion of what worked well and what they found challenging. What applications to curriculum standards did they see?
Ask: "What makes a 3D print assignment authentic learning?"
Follow-Up Activities
45 Minute(s)
Teachers can be put into groups to develop lessons of their own integrating the 3D printer. Additionally, schools can choose to have printer-specific trainings to learn how to operate their machines.
Research Rationale
Science engagement and literacy has seen promising positive impacts from the use of kits, such as 3D printing kits, being integrated into the curriculum. Providing hands-on approaches for students to learn material in science classes leads to more meaningful learning, better information retention, and increased engagement. By supplementing science curricula with kits, teachers can promote active participation in lessons, facilitate positive classroom environments, and make real-world connections.
Resources
K20 Center. (n.d.). Follow the Green, not the Dream. Lessons. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/lesson/1763
K20 Center. (n.d.). Jigsaw. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/179
Dickerson, D., Clark, M., Dawkins, K., & Horne, C. (2006). Using science kits to construct content understandings in elementary schools. Journal of Elementary Science Education, 18(1), 43-56.
Foley, J. M., Bruno, B. C., Tolman, R. T., Kagami, R. S., Hsia, M. H., Mayer, B., & Inazu, J. K. (2013). C-
MORE science kits as a classroom learning tool. Journal of Geoscience Education, 61(3), 256-267.
Stohr-Hunt, P. M. (1996). An analysis of frequency of hands-on experience and science achievement.
Journal of Research in Science Teaching: The Official Journal of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, 33(1), 101-109.
Young, B. J., & Lee, S. K. (2005). The effects of a kit-based science curriculum and intensive science
professional development on elementary student science achievement. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 14(5-6), 471-481.