3D Prototyperz: 3D Printing for academics: Part 2

In the last article, we discussed about an inspiring story of a 10-year-old who created a prototype to prevent deaths when children or pets are accidentally left in vehicles on hot days. In this article you will find few more interesting case studies of students from different age groups.

Data analysis: Sixth graders

In a research by Huleihil, a test was performed with students of sixth grade. These students were divided into two groups in order to know the effect of 3D printer on math achievements. One group was a reference group who studied the normal curriculum and another was an intervention group who studied math from new curriculum, which include the use of 3D printer. Both group gave the exam three times:

Let’s see how did both the groups perform:

It is evident that the intervention group who studied new curriculum did much better compared to the group who studied old curriculum.

Hence, Huleihil concluded that it is important to teach 3D basic concepts in the sixth grade and the students should learn to calculate volumes and surface areas. Using CAD systems, students get the opportunity to perform the calculations both on paper and by using the program.

In one of the case studies from Chico High School, IT teacher Mike Bruggeman's Dimension 3D Printer now also serves as a design tool for local businesses. His students operate the printer and he says, “this arrangement has been such a success for his students and local businesses that Bruggeman and a fellow Chico High School instructor have hosted informational sessions for teachers where they share the value 3D printing has added to their curriculum … we believe in using 21st century technology in the classroom to best prepare students for success in the field of engineering.”

Students in grades 10-12 solving an engineering problems

3D Printers a boon to entrepreneurship:

If we look at the results of recent international studies on educational achievement in science and mathematics, we can see that the best results were achieved by countries which respect teachers and learning the most, and which have a high quality public teaching service.

Every year around 1.5 million engineers graduate in India and in between 60-80% but very few are hired due to infinite number of reasons. Nevertheless, there is a way to tackle it. India needs more job creators than job seekers.

The above example from Chico High School can be a good answer to the question how can we be job creators. We can start building our own supply chain for a particular niche.

3D Printing in engineering:

In January 2017, Abidur Chowdhury, the winner of the Product Design category in grant contest – 14 designed an asthama management system. The project titled as Aer and was designed in SOLIDWORKS and 3D printed in PA 2200 (Nylon). With this system, a patient can stay compliant with his medication and not skip any doses. The 3D printed components were built with high accuracy for multi part assemblies.

I hope these examples and case studies give you a feel about where the world is going. There is huge need to change the scenerio in India by embracing the change in the world of technology.

Are you motivated to make the changes in the education, to lift the Indian educational system one-step ahead? Do you want to use 3D printers in your institute?