Evaluation of RepRap 3D printer workshops in K-12 STEM

Authors

John L. Irwin, Michigan Technological University
Douglas E. Oppliger, Michigan Technological University
Joshua M. Pearce, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
Gerald Anzalone, Michigan Technological University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Volume

122nd ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: Making Value for Society

Issue

122nd ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: Making Value for Society

Journal

ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings

Abstract

As facilitators of 3D printer workshops, the authors developed a survey to gage how the printers are actually being used and whether they support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) requirements, especially in regard to engineering design. The survey response rate was 52% of 68 total participants with the majority conveying that 3D printers do facilitate student understanding of the engineering design process and that the workshops empowered them and their students to tackle projects previously perceived as beyond their skill level. Insufficient preparation for troubleshooting hardware and software issues was listed as the greatest barrier to fully realizing the technology's potential in the classroom. Also highlighted was a lack of resources for development of meaningful lesson plans using this nascent technology.