Temasek Polytechnic students in Singapore learn 3D Printing using Stratasys’ curriculum. Photo courtesy of Temasek Polytechnic.
Teaching a new technology, like 3D Printing, in schools can be more difficult than it sounds. Collecting examples, facts, and drawing up lesson plans on developing technologies can be a large hump to overcome for educators. To ease the creation of 3D Printing classes in high schools, colleges, universities, and maker spaces, Stratasys has released a free curriculum. The curriculum consists of 14 weeks of material that will prepare students for a career in additive manufacturing.
The curriculum content is free to instructors and will include 3D models (STL), presentations, curriculum guides and grading suggestions. Additionally, this content will be continuously improved through educator community engagement.
Shelly Linor, Director of Global Education at Stratasys, said, "We notice a strong demand coming from the industry for a curriculum focusing on 3D printing … Educators around the world now have an opportunity to make a big impact by using and contributing to our curriculum. They will also be able to better prepare their students for future careers as 3D printing is becoming an intrinsic part of the design and manufacturing processes in leading companies."
Introduction to 3D Printing: From Design to Fabrication download portal.
The course is entitled “Introduction to 3D Printing: From Design to Fabrication” and the theme of the course is “Make Something That Moves Something.” It reviews the history, applications, economic/social impacts, and trends of 3D Printing. It focuses on project-based learning to assess the impact of 3D printing on design. Fitting the theme, the students work towards a design that can print a moving part from a single build.
Though any printer and CAD system that supports STL files can be used to complete the course, Stratasys recommends a PolyJet or FDM printer. Either way, students will learn the advantages and disadvantages of various printers with respect to resolution, material and precision. Students will also be able to:
- Recount historical factors that affected the evolution of manufacturing
- Discuss emerging and current 3D Printing technology
- Discuss advantages and limitations of 3D Printing technology
- Recommend 3D Printing technology based on scenarios
- Know how/when 3D printing can reduce time and cost
- Discuss economics of 3D Printing (start-ups and supply chain)
- Print and design objects with moving parts
Stratasys is planning to expand the curriculum with two new courses in the near future. However, the current course has been tested in the US and Singapore.
"The introductory material on 3D printing that Stratasys offers, from the slide presentations to the videos, were impressive … The students enjoy the hands-on activities especially the design process with 3D printing," said Ms. Chee Feng Ping, a lecturer from Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore.
Assistant Professor Steve Chomyszak from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston added, "There are going to be many instructors out there who would love to teach a course in 3D printing but who simply do not have enough time to do the detailed research and to prepare professional level presentations … Stratasys has now made it much easier for any instructor to offer a college level course on the subject."
For access to the free course material, follow this link.
Source Stratasys.