By taking advantage of 3D printers, Spencer Peyton, science teacher in Summit Academy (Denver, CO) transforms traditional lessons into dynamic, hands-on experiences to inspire your students to actively participate in their learning journey.
Summit Academy is a pathway school with the mission to “empower (students) to advocate for themselves, be active learners, and positive contributors to the global community.” The school serves a diverse student population and Spencer's approach highlights the transformative impact that 3D printing technology can have on student engagement and learning outcomes.
Spencer emphasizes the importance of fostering an engineering mindset among his students. Through 3D printing, students engage in the design and prototyping of projects that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “I found that it's really important to use technology,” Spencer says. Spencer stresses the importance of connecting classroom learning with tangible results. By printing models of office buildings and seawalls, students see the direct application of their lessons to real-life situations. This experiential learning approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates a sense of ownership and confidence in your abilities.
He also praises the Robotic 3D printers (Boxlight's MimioSTEM) for its ease of use and efficiency. He says: “I like Robos in particular. I find them really consistent. “I like the fact that once I have them set, I can forget about them and let them go.”
Spencer believes 3D printing allows students to imagine themselves in STEM careers. “Increased accessibility for students and, to the extent possible, making what they are learning more realistic for what they might do in their jobs in the future,” Spencer says.
Spencer's integration of 3D printing technology exemplifies how educators can develop 21st century skills and inspire the next generation of innovators. With her dedication to fostering an engineering mindset and facilitating real-life connections, Spencer empowers her students to excel in an ever-evolving world. We are eager to learn more about her experiences with 3D printing.
For the full story, watch the video:
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0);
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&status=0″;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));