“They love 3D printers,” said Riann Offutt-Price, a STEM professor at Cheatham County School District in Tennessee. “They love to see them. They like to see what we are printing and how long it will take. “It’s pretty mind-blowing for them.”
Since the district introduced MimioSTEM solutions, students have been immersed in innovative technologies that spark curiosity, foster creativity, and bring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life. As a result, student engagement and hands-on learning have reached new levels.
3D printing: a window to innovation
New tools and curriculum are helping students explore real-world applications of STEM concepts in dynamic and exciting ways. Perhaps the most popular feature is MimioSTEM 3D printingwhich allows students to design, create and prototype with 3D printers. Watching your ideas materialize, layer by layer, captivates your imagination and develops your ability to think in new ways.
Chris Cooper, the district's CTE and STEM coordinator, sees the enthusiasm firsthand. “They love to do it. “They are fascinated by how it works,” he says. These projects not only engage students but also challenge them to think creatively and solve problems.
Some benefits of 3D printing in the classroom:
- Encourages creativity by turning abstract ideas into tangible objects.
- Teaches valuable design and prototyping skills.
- Inspire curiosity about how technology works and its applications in the real world.
Labdiscs: science beyond the classroom
One of Cooper's favorite things about MimioSTEM is being able to take science outside of the classroom. These portable data recording devices allow students to collect and analyze data in real-world settings, expanding science beyond traditional classroom settings.
The students use lab disks to collect data on everything from weather conditions to environmental changes, giving students the opportunity to practice scientific methods in real-world scenarios. “We can collect data without having a computer at our side and we can do things in the field. We don't need to take our laptop or iPad. We can just take the Labdisc,” Cooper explained.
Why Labdiscs are a game changer:
- Portable design makes field work easy and efficient
- Direct connection and Bluetooth options allow for seamless data transfer
- Real-time data collection reflects professional field science
- They help students connect theoretical concepts with practical applications.
Flexible materials for creative learning
“Every week we do something different,” Offutt-Price said. “I don't have to go out and buy new supplies. “We can just use the same supplies in a different way.”
MimioSTEM materials are reusable, versatile, and content-aligned, so teachers can use them across multiple projects without needing to constantly replenish them. And Offutt-Price likes how MimioSTEM connects directly to the lesson plan, so they can just log in, find the project they want to do, and scroll through to identify the parts they'll need. And all materials were created to be teacher-friendly:
- They are designed to support multiple projects with a single set of supplies.
- They are easily adaptable to different grade levels and STEM topics.
- They save time and resources by reducing the need for new supplies.
A high return on investment
For Cooper, the value of MimioSTEM lies in the doors it opens for students to explore, create and grow. “It helps kids be curious about many opportunities and across many age ranges,” she said. “For educational opportunities and growth, it's a high return on the investment we've made in technology for our students.”
MimioSTEM has become a cornerstone of STEM education in districts across the country, including Cheatham County. We are inspired to see how advanced technology, hands-on learning, and adaptive resources come together to help students develop new passions, practical skills, and a future full of potential. That is the true return on investment.
Watch the video here:
Learn how to bring MimioSTEM to your school, district, or classroom here.
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