PrintLab - 3D Printing Teaching Support 

A tool that enables educators to deliver engaging 3D printing content
aligned with the New Zealand curriculum.

We're excited to introduce you to PrintLab, a tool that enables educators to deliver engaging 3D printing content aligned with the New Zealand curriculum.

In this video, Tim shows how PrintLab can bring 3D printers into the classroom without requiring extensive expertise. He'll walk you through the Library and Methods sections, highlighting the diverse projects and soft skills that can be taught. You'll also learn about the mapping to the curriculum, the resources available for different levels, and the benefits of using PrintLab.

Join Tim on this exploration of PrintLab's features and how it can enhance your classroom experience.

Introducing PrintLab,  a tool that enables educators to deliver engaging 3D printing content aligned with the New Zealand curriculum.

PrintLab has a range of features designed specifically for educators. With PrintLab access you will be able to pick and choose from their growing library of 3D printing resources to spark curiosity, develop in-demand technical skills and foster 21st century skills such as empathy, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. We share in the mission of PrintLab to provide educators with all the resources they need to guide students in using this transformative technology to make assistive technology, homeware, architectural models, sculptures and much more.

PrintLab Educator Features Include

Mini Courses

Mini courses are based on informative video content or step-by-step tutorials. They help students to build foundational knowledge in 3D printing and technical skills in 3D design software using Tinkercad or Fusion 360 software (both free for Education). 

Projects

Projects guide students through each stage of the design process to make specific types of products in the fields of assistive technology, customised product design and STEM. They include a brief, background information, 3D design tutorials, portfolio templates and instructions on implementing various design methods such as user interviews, brainstorms, idea sketches, product evaluations and more.

A few quick examples:

• Assistive technologies product design - make a pencil grip for someone without fine motor control.
• Problem solving model and methods - How to research a product idea and iterate efficiently on the design.
• Statistics - Make decisions based on data. How to capture it, avoid bias and visualise it.
• Projects around upcycling used products with 3d deigned and printed addon to make useful tools.

Challenges

Challenges are global design competitions (with prizes!) where students solve real-world problem with 3D printing. Challenge briefs are broad and open-ended, giving students complete freedom in both the product created and the design process undertaken. The first challenge is Make:able - a yearly assistive technology design competition.