Historically, innovation was coupled with traditional approaches to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. While these are necessary, they are insufficient in addressing the challenges facing society in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century. STEM emphasis on critical thinking, experimental design, modelling, and data analysis must be coupled with student growth in creativity, innovative thinking, and effective communication. This is achieved by the marriage of STEM with art and design, known as STEAM. It represents a holistic approach to education that incorporates high-impact educational practices to explore opportunities where art naturally fits in the STEM arena. This presentation shares our success in establishing a 3D printing and fabrication center to serve as a nexus for educational STEAM activities on the campus of Wabash College. The facility has stimulated faculty to explore diverse and meaningful cross-disciplinary collaborations related to teaching and learning across campus. Initiatives include collaborative cross-disciplinary projects that bridge courses in various departments, 3D printing and fabrication-based undergraduate research internships, and entrepreneurial collaborations with local industry. These innovative approaches have opened the door to active learning experiences that empower and prepare students to develop intellectual and practical problem solving skills. Furthermore, service learning projects, community-based opportunities, and global outreach initiatives have provided students with a sense of social responsibility, ethical awareness, leadership, and teamwork. Our flagship outreach project involves collaborations with health professionals and non-profit organizations to produce student fabricated, 3D printed prosthetic devices. In summary, the establishment of a campus 3D printing and fabrication center has provided the opportunity to explore exciting innovations in teaching and learning that enhance the lives of Wabash College students and serve as a model to other liberal arts institutions.

Gaining STEAM: Establishing a campus 3D printing and fabrication center to explore cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation in STEM and the liberal Arts

251st National Meeting (2016)

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