In the last few years, the introduction and implementation of 3D printing technology in secondary education have been increasing rapidly. Providing for instruction in additive manufacturing in an educational setting with hands-on engagement from concept to design to a final problem solution lies at the core of the nation’s Next Generation Science Standard. At MSU St. Andrews, a broad range of opportunities in 3D printing are offered that include day-long workshops for both students and teachers and as well as high school summer internships. Workshops with two levels of intensity are included. The first level offers introductory training in 3D printing techniques. The second level addresses the application of 3D printing to the curriculum in a variety of subject areas such as the physical sciences, art, and social studies. Practical examples of how middle school teachers applied 3D printing to their classroom teaching will be presented. Summer intern research project topics have included the fabrication and evaluation of low-cost humidity sensors, polymeric composite materials, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Through our 3D printing technology STEM program, our interns gain some understanding of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), physics, engineering, material physics, chemistry, biomaterial design and the structure-property relationships of polymeric materials. The results from some of the internships have led to entries in local and national science fair competitions by the students.

Applying 3D printing technology to K-12 STEM and high school internship education

2019 Fall National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.