FASD Tech. Report
Volume 2 Issue 6
Printing In The 3rd Dimension
The 3D printing technology in this film from 2001 has grown and expanded quite rapidly in recent years. The manufacturing industry routinely uses this technology to create samples and models; the medical industry is using "Bio Ink" to print human skin, ears, and kidneys, as well as more affordable prosthetic limbs; sugars and other food substances are being utilized to print intricate candies, cakes, and piping designs impossible to create by hand; for better or worse, the technology is being used to print working firearms; desktop 3D printers are becoming increasingly affordable, allowing for schools and tinkerers to have easy access to the technology. The future of 3D printing technology is wide open and we should see some amazing uses going forward.
For those that don't know, FASD is blessed to have THREE of these 3D printers available for use! If you would like to learn more about how you might utilize 3D printing in your classroom, let's talk! The actual printing process is as simple as me bringing the printer to your classroom, downloading your designs, and getting the process started!
Classroom Spotlight!
Mrs. Thurau's - 4th Grade - Sandycreek Elementary
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss various aspects of 3D printing with these 4th grade students. We talked about the process from the actual drawing in CAD software, to the downloading of the file, the file type, and how the computer breaks the file down into thin layers to determine the best path for the printer to take to create a successful print. At the conclusion of this lesson, students had the opportunity to watch a file print from beginning to end (about 15 minutes). Lots of fun and a great introduction to this technology.
Student work will be on display on April 2, 2016 during the NPAECT STEAM Showcase.
Mrs. Miller - 8th Grade Computer Information Technology - FMS
All 8th grade students will leave Mrs. Miller's classroom with a physical model of what had started as an idea. This is quite a meaningful experience. In addition to the Key Tags, students were tasked with designing an original item of their choice. They were challenged to create something entirely new, unique, and creative. When finished, Middle School teachers will vote on the best designs from each class period. The winning design from each class will be printed for the winning students.
This project hasn't been without it's frustrations. Mrs. Miller and I have become very well versed in the inner workings of the 3D printer as we've had to disassemble the machine several times to replace a few wires, clear a few extruder clogs, and perform basic troubleshooting tasks. Our showing the students how we deal with the machine and printing failures may very well be just as valuable as the project itself. This has been a wonderful learning experience for all.
3D Printing In The News!
3D Printed Braces
3D Printed Surgical Models
3D Printing In High-End Dining
STEM Education
In addition to the physical structure, students prepared a budget that calculated the total cost of their building, a narrative report that discussed their daily experiences, and an engineering notebook that were submitted to judges for evaluation. The final components for evaluation were team work and an oral presentation. Of the ten participating schools in the Grades 6-8 Division, six teams walked away with an award/honor - Franklin Middle School was one of these recipients! The students' hard work earned them the award for most successful Challenge Completion.
The students learned a lot about the engineering process through the completion of this project and through their interactions with the other participating schools. It is always amazing to see the unique approaches different groups of students take when solving the same problem with the same tools at their disposal. I look forward to seeing FASD students participating in future STEM Challenges!
FMS STEM Team
FMS STEM Team
FMS STEM Team
Professional Development Opportunities
ED CAMP Grove City College
AN EDCAMP IS A FREE UN-CONFERENCE. CREATED FOR TEACHERS BY TEACHERS.
Join us April 23, 2016, at the Hall of Arts and Letters at Grove City College from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM for a day of learning, innovation, and educational excitement.
The event itself is free, however, Act-48 hours will be provided by MWIU 4 for $5. You can receive up to 6 Act-48 hours for this event. If you are interested in obtaining Act-48 hours for this event, please see an edcampgcc volunteer for a form.
For REGISTRATION and a list of all the swag that comes along with this even, click here!
Go From "Techphobic" to "Tech Ninja" In Just 1 Day
Exploring GOOGLE In The Classroom
Uncommon Creativity: Using Technology To Work Smarter Not Harder
Contact Me!
Email: bandi@fasd.k12.pa.us
Website: http://tinyurl.com/qcm24lv
Location: 246 Pone Lane, Franklin, PA, United States
Phone: (814)432-2121
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.bandi
Twitter: @Justin_Bandi