Exploring 3D Printing
Publication date: April 18, 2024
At Simon Gregorčič Kobarid Primary School in Slovenia, a diverse group of students aged 6 to 15 are delving into the world of technology and digital literacy. With a strong emphasis on programming and digital competence, the school recently embarked on an exciting venture: introducing 3D printing to its curriculum.
Collaborating with External Experts
Partnering with the Intercompany Education Center Nova Gorica, the school welcomed a team of professionals dedicated to fostering equal opportunities and enhancing training conditions for students. The mission of the Intercompany Education Center is to become a recognizable development and educational institution that will create equal opportunities and training conditions for more successful and higher quality work. The enphasis is on:
- establishing an education and training system that will be able to respond to the new requirements for key competences determined by the common European reference framework;
- developing learning partnerships with industry;
- creating an information center dedicated to guided and independent learning;
- establishing a system of “education centers” for the needs of professional development of individuals in the economy;
- organising promotional activities and professional trainings within individual economic sectors;
- organising expert consultations and exchange of good practices between educational and economic institutions.
Hands-On Workshops and Creative Exploration
The workshops were structured in such a way that invited experts presented the 3D printer to us with the help of already manufactured products and the 3D printer itself. The students were each at their computer. They learned how to model a product for printing. They used the TinkerCad program, an online 3D modeling platform aimed primarily at beginners and educational institutions. It allows easy creation of 3D models using a graphical interface without the need for complex knowledge of 3D modeling.
The students quickly acquired knowledge, looked up ideas and suggestions online, and used their imagination. Most of the students modeled different key chains in the shape of animals, inscriptions, car signs and parts, and slang shapes. All models created by the students will be printed.
Fostering Creativity and Innovation
One hundred students eagerly participated in the workshop, with one fifth of them being female students—a testament to the growing interest of girls in computer science.
The students were very enthusiastic about the performance itself. Their creativity knew no boundaries. From various inscriptions of the most popular computer games, to own names, names of friends, car signs, and various pedestals and various statuettes. Everyone is looking forward to getting their hands on the product.
Looking Ahead: Integrating 3D Printing into the Curriculum
As both an observer and a computer specialist at the school, the Leading Teacher Klavdija Bergnic, was impressed by the students enthuasiasm and ingenuity. The experience has sparked discussions about incorporating 3D printing into our curriculum permanently. The work was very interesting, because the students are full of ideas. For quite some time now, the idea has arisen that the school would also acquire a 3D printer. he prospect of utilizing a 3D printer for various projects, such as creating various decorations at Christmas time, the school logo, personal pendants, school decorations, various stands and many other things. This is how students build their computer and programming skills.
Leader teacher: Klavdija Berginc
Primary school Kobarid, Slovenia
