A set of resources designed to help teachers get to grips with 3D printing technology was launched at the BETT 2015 education show by I Can Make, an independent educational publisher based in the UK. The materials, which include downloadable lesson plans, teaching guides, CPD courses and 3D printable model kits, are designed to provide KS 1&2 teachers with the confidence to introduce their pupils to 3D printing, and to provide practical ways for them to make the subject fun and engaging in the classroom.
Hands-on courses and lesson plans
The I Can Make CPD courses are designed to be workshop-style sessions for teachers, allowing them to spend time with 3D printers and physical computing devices under the guidance of 3D printing experts. Courses include an ‘Introduction to 3D Printing and Physical Computing’ for KS 1&2 teachers and DT coordinators, providing hands-on sessions with printers, an introduction to the basics, and some simple 3D printing projects to try in the classroom. In other sessions focused on physical computing, teachers can learn how to integrate code and simple electronics into their lessons.
I Can Make has also produced a series of lesson plans and learn-as-you-teach guides, designed to make this new subject more approachable. The materials gently walk teachers through each stage of the 3D printing process, and include worksheets, downloadable model kits and step-by-step video tutorials.
Print-and-build kits
The I Can Make ‘print and build’ model kits are designed for children and adults to make on 3D printers. They are models of design and engineering icons, such as SpaceShip One and Tower Bridge. Students can learn how to 3D print each component part of the snap-together kits, and then upgrade them with motors, micro computers and LEDs. The kits are compatible with a range of 3D printers, including those from MakerBot, Ultimaker and PrintrBot.
Chris Thorpe, founder and CEO of I Can Make, and former CTO of MindCandy’s Moshi Monsters explained: “3D printing is now on the UK curriculum for design and computing, but there is a scarcity of information about how to teach it, and many teachers will be wondering where to start. Our CPD courses and materials are designed to provide a simple, practical starting point for teachers who are new to the subject. We’re excited to be launching these at BETT 2015, and to be working with some prominent partners in the 3D printing and education sector.”
Annika Small, CEO of Nominet Trust which supports I Can Make said: “The UK is really at the vanguard of what’s possible in the digital making movement; and we have a tremendous opportunity to continue to be at the forefront of this exciting new industrial revolution by developing these skills in the next generation. I Can Make is a practical project which embeds this sort of inventiveness into our national curriculum.”
STEM education workshops
As part of its educational mission, I Can Make has recently worked with the Tower Bridge Education team in London to develop a series of STEM workshops for primary schools. Children were able to put together a 3D printed model kit of the lifting section of the bridge, and attach it to a simple circuit and motor to make it lift.
“This has literally brought a new dimension to our schools education programme,” commented Natalie Cain, Tower Bridge’s Education Officer. “Using the models to illustrate the lifting mechanism of the bridge has really brought the structure to life for the children. Once they understand how it all works, they are keen to learn more about engineering and the role it has played in our social history.”
I Can Make is partnering with Ultimaker and Fuel3D to exhibit at the BETT education show in London on 21-24 January 2015 on the Create Education stand, number F54.
