As a new media specialist, I want to bring the idea of maker spaces to life in my middle school. After taking a survey, I learned what my students really want to learn about is 3D printing!
The printer and accessories will allow me to create projects in small groups all year long, making the media center more than just a place to check out books.
It also allows me to reach students on a different level.
My students are technologically savvy. They yearn for an outlet that allows them to delve deep and enhance their critical thinking skills. They want a defined space to be able to collaborate and create.
My Project
3D printing technology positions students as creators. Instead of consuming the creations of someone else, they become the inventors. In the area of art, students will experience growth in their spatial reasoning as they increase their understanding of 2D and 3D conversions. 3D printing is still a very new technology that is not readily available to students. It has a "wow factor" that can engage students who would otherwise have nothing to do with their learning. 3D printing also inspires insightful discussion about online activities and how to be a responsible digital citizen. 3D printing is a technology that scientists and engineers are using to change the world. Putting that same technology into the hands of students introduces them to some of the challenges facing our community. It builds empathy, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills.
With this 3D printer, students will have the opportunity to create 3D representations of projects assigned in any of their core classes.
They will also be able to join an afterschool makerspace club to create various objects based on a lesson created by the media specialist. Literally, any topic can become hands-on with this technology.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Thompson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.