Eight students from Jefferson Middle School’s robotics teams visited Michigan State University St. Andrews to attend a full-day 3D printing workshop on June 15, 2018. This workshop introduced the students to 3D printing and underlying computer-aided design (CAD).

Instructional elements included hands-on experience with entry-level 3D printers, an overview of the polymeric materials in filament form used for 3D printing, and an introduction to elementary CAD software (Tinkercad, OpenSCAD) for 3D printing design.

3D printing coupled with CAD offers a pathway to enable, enhance, and reinforce STEAM education related to design engineering and materials science.

“For Jefferson Robotics, 3D printing is a skill our teams need to gain expertise in. It’s not unusual for the robots to have 3D printing parts that perform a function of the challenge the kids are presented with. This class taught that knowledge to our students,” said Sudie Ammerman, volunteer robotics team coordinator.

Robotics team students expressed their enjoyment and how much they learned from the workshop.

Student Joseph He stated, “I understand the basic principle of 3D printing. Learning new things also increased my interest in technology and science.”

“This is just a stepping stone of the future learning for our robotics teams.” Stated Ammerman. “We are looking forward to partnering with MSU St. Andrews in the future for additional classes and we look forward to having our 2^nd round of students participate in the workshop,”

MSU St. Andrews offers 3D Printing Workshops to educators and youth groups. Visit the MSU St. Andrews Facebook page to see upcoming events or contact MSU St. Andrews at 989-374-9909 to schedule an exclusive event for your group.

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MSU St. Andrews hosts a combination of extramurally supported research; science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) education for students and families; plus associated professional development opportunities for teachers in the greater Midland region. It also offers a lending library of equipment for schools, students, and robotics teams wishing to augment their activities. These activities support Michigan State University’s general mission of research, teaching, and service-outreach, and specifically advance MSU’s efforts to promote economic vitality in the region and the state.

These activities support Michigan State University’s general mission of research, teaching, and service-outreach, and specifically advance MSU’s efforts to promote economic vitality in the region and the state.

Programming is made possible through the support of several local organizations: the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, and the Dow Chemical Company Foundation.

Visit St. Andrew’s Facebook to learn more or email research@msu.edu.