Hey Reader,
I’ve been at this 3D Printing thing for a while. And the longer I do it, the more I feel like I need to remind you that I was a newbie once, too.
And by newbie, I mean it.
The first time I tried to implement 3D Printing with my students in elementary school, I was so excited to begin printing things out for students! Then I discovered it was more difficult than I thought for my young learners to create their own design files, printing was so slow, AND I couldn’t get a successful print on my 3D printer no matter what I tried. That excitement quickly fizzled into FRUSTRATION!
But I kept going. First, I kept tinkering around with ways for students to create their own designs and learned how to scaffold that creation. Then I decided to try a different 3D printer. Then I had success after success!
And now? I’M OBSESSED! My students are absolutely fascinated and amazed and my prints are successful almost every single time and if they aren’t, I know how to troubleshoot.
If you’re not already there, I know you can get there too, Reader. I mean it.
In the meantime, I’d love for you to hit reply and share a story about your “first time” trying 3D printing, too. I love getting to know people on this list.
Your STEM Teacher Friend,
Allyn
STEMStarters
PS. Ready to step out of newbie and into expert level? My 3D Printing Bookmark lesson is a great starter project to get 3D printing off the ground in your classroom!
