3D Printing

3D printing is the ability to create new things using an individuals own creativity and design. It allows for limitless creativity and endless growth in a students knowledge of technology. 3D printing can be used to create assistive technology devices that assist people with disabilities. It can create objects that can help make a task easier for someone with a disability. These objects can be created quickly and are highly effective, without the cost of using high tech objects. 3D printing in the classroom allows students to take things from the screen of a computer, and put them into their hands to analyze and inspect.

The 3D printer we used in class was the Makerbot Replicator. This is a manufacturing tool that can create three-dimensional objects that have been designed on the computer. This printer allows for a wide range of shapes, sizes, and types of objects. 3D printers lay down a melted substance layer by layer to create the 3D object. To begin working with a 3D printer you must first make a digital model. You must find a 3D file to be used in the printing process. 3D files can be found on sites such as Thingiverse and Yeggi . Files must be in the format called .STL which stores information about 3D models describing only the surface geometry of a three- dimensional object without any representation of the objects color, texture, or model attributes.

Links to file sites:

• https://www.thingiverse.com/
• http://www.yeggi.com/

Teachers may use a program known as Tinkercad to inspire their students to create 3D printing objects and take chances. Students are encouraged to make mistakes, this will help them acquire problem-solving skills and confidence that will encourage persistance. Tinkercad is a 3D modeling software that teachers can use to assign 3D modeling projects that are fun and will increase student engagement.

Below are some images of the 3D object that I printed in class this semester. This device can be used both in school or home setting. This devise allows video/ music sound to be amplified on a standard smart phone and will also hold it like a dock stand. If A student has a hearing difficulty or loss, this devise will amplify the sound and project it in the direct direction of the student.