Pitsco Education Develops New 3D Printing Curriculum

Pitsco Education has released another 3D printing curriculum for use in K-12 schools.

In 2013, the company released its first curriculum about 3D printing technology, "3D Printing: Vehicle Engineering," and the new release is called "3D Printing: Design Solutions."

The three-week Design Solutions unit includes activities to teach how engineers use 3D printers to prototype their designs and covers copyrights, patents and trademarks. As part of the unit, students take an existing part and modify it to fit a particular need, and then they work in teams of two to design their own part from scratch to solve a problem. Students then print out their designs on a 3D printer and present their solutions to the class. The unit uses Autodesk 123D Design online software with cloud storage that lets students design and print their projects using a PC, Mac or iPad.

According to Ray Grissom, curriculum specialist and author of "3D Printing: Design Solutions," 3D printing technology can engage students even more than traditional technologies. "It's fascinating for kids," he said in a prepared statement. "They can create different things and have them in their hand within an hour or so. If they can draw it, they can print it and hold it."

The curriculum includes a DVD and teacher's guide and is available on its own or as part of a package that includes four 3D printers, filament and related supplies, and according to the company it addresses ITEEA Standards for Technological Literacy. Further information about the curriculum is available on Pitsco Education's site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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