172. Stop Buying 3D Printers!

02/28/2025

Do you use a 3D printer in your classroom? In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha dive into the reality of owning and using 3D printers in the classroom. These machines definitely bring the ‘wow’ factor, but are they really worth the hype? From bridges to weather balloons, we share our experiences incorporating 3D printing into our design challenges. But these projects also came with a lot of headaches including an overwhelming time commitment and ultimately unclear learning outcomes. Join us as we discuss why it might be time to hit pause on the 3D printer craze and rethink their role in your curriculum.

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Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

• 115. How to Design a Makerspace

• Prototyping:

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• 144. Another Year of Smashing STEM (bridging classroom objects)

• 90. We Launched a Weather Balloon

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

• 10 Must Have STEM Tools

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Vivify STEM Lessons

• Australia Safety Capsule STEM Challenge

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• Semester STEM Units (includes Space Colony!): choose from Moon or Mars themes!

Other STEM Resources

• CAD Software:

  • SOLIDWORKS

  • Tinkercad

  • CATIA

  • Revit (for students)

• Rube Goldberg contests

• Subscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!

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