To help prepare students for rewarding careers in a variety of industries, more and more schools are incorporating 3D printing into their curriculum. 

Jobs that both use and require 3D printers, including many STEM-based positions, are increasing at a rapid rate. MakerBot 3D printers are a great way to introduce your students to the knowledge and skills they need for such a successful career! 

MakerBot’s endless design possibilities open the door for new levels of creativity and imagination within the classroom. With a simple setup, effortless operation, terrific print quality, and user-friendly software, MakerBot printers empower students—even younger ones—to problem solve, use their imagination, and bring new ideas to life through 3D printing.

How MakerBot 3D Printers Prepare Students for the Future

MakerBot 3D printers spark creativity and critical thinking skills for students who will face challenges that only innovation and imagination can overcome. These printers are more than plug-and-play technology. Students can develop their own designs and then use the printing technology to bring these plans to life! 

Curricula that employ 3D printing can incorporate both artistic elements and scientific fundamentals. Students can learn about different types of filaments and what projects each should be used for, how their digital designs will translate into physical projects, and what to do when something goes wrong. 

Educators can also increase the hands-on learning experience in their classrooms. For example, instead of showing students an image of a chemical compound on a piece of paper, you can use a 3D printer to bring it to life and show its structure. In lessons about topography, teachers can print a 3D map for students to show each natural and manufactured element in a land area. As a result, many teachers have experienced an increase in class participation through these opportunities! 

3D Printing in STEM Education at Southeastern Louisiana University 

Southeastern Louisiana University’s Industrial and Engineering Technology (IET) Department knows firsthand the value of these MakerBot 3D printers. For several years, the school’s STEM education programs have been using 3D printers as part of their curriculum. 

Before the school had 3D printers available to students, the courses often had to take more of a theoretical approach to equip students with the skills they would need in future careers. However, the department saw how 3D printing was being used in an increasing number of industries and began to incorporate these amazing technologies to help prepare future leaders in STEM. 

In 2013, SELU purchased its first 3D printer—a MakerBot Z18—for use by faculty and students. It provided greater access to hands-on learning and helped faculty and students significantly increase their 3D printing skills through educational opportunities, collaboration on projects, and more. 

Learn more about what 3D printers have done for STEM students at SELU! 

3D Printing Products and Support

Technical Training Aids has worked with educators and schools all across the country for over 50 years. Our experts can work with you to find the 3D printer that fits your students’ needs and your school’s budget. Learn more about some of our MakerBot product offerings here! 

We also provide frontline support for these products. Our team can help you find everything you need to get the most out of 3D printing education, from product upgrades to teacher resources! Click here to get in touch with your local representative.