How 3D printers can help students get into STEM subjects

3D printers can help students get into STEM subjects – fact.

They can inspire students to follow careers in practical fields, develop technical skills and demonstrate how similar equipment can be used in the real world.

They’re a truly great learning tool that can be an asset in any classroom or science lab. Here, we’ll explore how 3D printers can help students get into STEM subjects and the benefits of having one in your classroom.

What is STEM?

STEM is shorthand for a range of practical subjects: science, technology, engineering and maths.

Recently, the UK curriculum has placed much higher importance on STEM subjects because students are more likely to gain employment in these areas when they’re older.

This shift is unsurprising due to a massive technical skills crisis in the UK, thanks to recent developments in technology and a lack of interest in engineering roles.

Students need to engage with these subjects while they’re young, so they can plug the gap when they’re older. It’s particularly important to get more girls into these subjects, as they tend to be very male-dominated.

Focusing on STEM subjects and making them accessible shows students that no career is off limits to them.

There are currently several STEM groups that hold discussions, presentations and school trips to engage students in these practical subjects. However, this is not the same as having practical, hands-on experience in the classroom each week. That’s where we think 3D printers can help students get into STEM subjects … do you?

7 ways 3D printers can help students get into STEM subjects

Affordable 3D printers and leasing schemes have created new opportunities for students around the UK.

It would be great to see them become a core part of the school curriculum and help encourage involvement in STEM subjects. However, it’s worth saying that 3D printers can be used for other subjects, too.

Here are four key ways 3D printers can help students get into STEM subjects:

1. Turn imagination into reality

3D printing allows students to take a concept and work it through the production and testing stages.

By using this ‘conceptualise and visualise’ technique, learning is no longer just theory. Visual and kinaesthetic learners will really engage with this hands-on method.

Students will get a good understanding of the prototype stage, as well as seeing tangible results they can be proud of. This will help them envisage a future career in the STEM fields.

2. Add a bit of ‘wow’ to your lessons

Any new piece of tech is exciting for students (and teachers).

Bringing a new 3D printer into the classroom can get students interested in the subjects it’s used for and spark their imagination for future projects.

A 3D printer adds a dose of fun and excitement to subjects that used to be a little dull. It also makes learning more memorable, which could really help with exams!

3. Gives access to new materials

A 3D printer will let you create learning materials you can’t usually get in the classroom, which will inspire students and really get them thinking about STEM subjects.

For example, you could try printing parts of an engine, or models of atoms, eyeballs and cells. These ideas will really pique your students’ interest!

4. Promote skills and attributes perfect for STEM

STEM isn’t just a collection of subjects, it’s a mindset. Allowing students to use 3D printers from an early age will help them develop this mindset and position them for a future career in STEM.

The skills and attributes that make up this mindset include:

• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Teamwork
• Coding and computer programming
• Perseverance
• Technical drawing
• Knowledge about 3D printers – this is bound to be useful in the future!

5. Engagement

3D printers bring a hands-on element to STEM subjects. They enable you to incorporate a tactile dimension into your lessons by bringing objects off the screen and into the real world. Your students can inspect, manipulate and analyse their creations for a better understanding of subjects and concepts. Imagine chemistry lessons complete with accurate models of molecules, or biology classes featuring cells you can hold. This type of learning experience allows students with practical learning styles to grasp abstract concepts more easily than one-dimensional images in textbooks!

A government project launched in 2013 showed a direct link between 3D printers and increased motivation to learn. Many students found themselves taking a renewed interest in STEM subjects and even achieved higher grades as a result. Children with difficulty in concentrating also benefit from an exciting, interactive element that helps them keep on task.

6. Innovation

The addition of 3D printers can make your school a hub for innovation. Experiencing this technology now readies students for the future, and familiarises them with equipment that will soon become commonplace. Even primary school children can use our student-friendly models thanks to child-safe features, such as lockable sealed lids.

We also provide demonstrations and training for teachers and support staff. We even have ready-made lesson plans to help you seamlessly integrate your 3D printers into the school day. Our ongoing support ensures that your staff and students get the most out of your printers and the full scope of their capabilities.

7. New ways of thinking

3D printers can support your school’s young people to reach their full potential as designers and creators by thinking and building in innovative ways. Students gain a deeper understanding of key creative processes, from conception to execution, by actively participating. Moving through this process encourages collaborative thinking, which in turn boosts real-world problem-solving skills.

Could your school’s STEM team benefit from 3D printers?

There are huge benefits to having 3D printers in the classroom. However, one of the most important is that 3D printers can help get students into STEM subjects.

These machines will help create passionate, enthusiastic STEM students who will plug the technical skills gap in the future. They will also help teach students valuable life skills – how good is that?

Do you think your school could benefit from a 3D printer? Explore your options with one of our experts today!

End-to-end care

Although our 3D printers are robust, we understand that accidents happen. Your package can be extended to include accidental damage cover, so repairs can be made with no extra fee. Our extended five-year warranties also include parts and labour, for total peace of mind. We provide expert guidance and ensure that you’re never left in the dark should a technical fault occur. Our helpful team is always on hand to answer any queries you might have regarding your printer’s software or hardware.

If your school could benefit from a 3D printer, visit our website to browse our range, or talk to one of our tech wizards to help find your ideal fit.