3-D Printer for STEM

When technology is used correctly it can have a positive effect on student engagement, creativity, problem solving skills, thought process, and overall achievement.  The possibility of these positive skills is why I want to get a 3D printer for the Lincoln Southwest Science Department.  The use of 3D printing is growing by designers, engineers, and other professionals in need of prototyping.  With the increase use of 3D printing in STEM fields, I feel it is very important for students to learn about the tools that current STEM fields are using.  With 3D printing students will be able to learn, design, create products that were never possible before.  These hands on models can then be used in a wide variety of areas to bring learning to life.

Biology classes can build models of cells and cell parts, create models to help them learn processes such as the cell cycle, photosynthesis, respiration, DNA replication, and protein synthesis.  Chemistry classes can build chemical models that will allow them to better understand how bonds form and how chemical reactions occur.  Physics classes can design and engineer various structures that can be tested by students using different amounts and types of forces.  The uses of 3D printing are endless within a science classroom. Having tangible objects to use in learning is much more rich than learning from 2D images.  Having a 3D printer in our science department will help engage our students but it will also help prepare our students for STEM careers in the future. Requesting $2500.00 plus cost of reimbursement.