3D Printing in the Classroom
In partnership with FabLab NI, the Creative Learning Centre established this resource to provide schools with key information around what 3D printing is and looking at its potential role in Education as well as providing a series of subject-specific ways in which 3D printing can support learning across the curriculum.
About this project
As 3D printers become ever more important in business and enterprise, schools have also sought to utilise them as a tool which takes creativity, design and IT skills and applies them to learning throughout the curriculum.
There is also a guide to selecting and buying a 3D printer and a series of case studies from schools across the world to equip teachers with the essential knowledge required to deliver innovative creative learning in their classrooms.
The handbook is free to download below.
Build your own 3D Printer
Twenty teachers from 16 schools attended two half day workshops at the Nerve Centre’s Creative Learning Centre in Derry, where each school was presented with their very own Hephestos 2 build your own printer kit along with training on how to use it across the curriculum.
The aim of this project was to make 3D printing accessible to schools and teachers who had an interest and enthusiasm in introducing 3D printing within their class.
"The reason we wanted to be involved in this project was due to the advantages of using 3D printing within our school. It is cross-curricular, enables problem solving, encourage pupils to work as a team, develops collaboration, teaches the pupils to compromise, improves social awareness, boost creativity and promotes entrepreneurial thinking. Each of these advantages promote important life skills which the children need to develop. Not only would a 3D printer promote learning, it would also further staff as they learn about use this new technology." - Mr Patrick Gill, Participant Teacher, Holy Family PS