3D Pens (Blog #4)

You might be wondering, as I did, what are 3D pens? 

A 3D pen is essentially a handheld version of a 3D printer. It allows the user to draw and create three dimensional objects with plastic. The biggest difference between a pen and a printer is that with the pen, the user guides the printing, instead of a computer. It takes up less space than a 3D printer and is generally more cost effective.  

There are so many ways these can be used for learning! Here are a few examples, guided by phases from the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM), developed by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology. 

1. Solar System- At the Active Adoption stage, the teacher guides students in using the 3D pen to create 2D sketches of some planets. Through Construction Adaptation, the students begin using the 3D pen independently to create sketches of the remaining components of the solar system. They arrange their sketches and label them to create an accurate diagram. The same process can be used for other science diagrams such as the phases of the moon and life cycles.

 

2. Character Analysis- During Constructive Adaptation, students can use a 3D pen stencil to create an action figure of a character from a book of their choosing. They add details they learned about the character through reading the book. In the Constructive Transformation phase, students choose how to present their analysis, whether through a short stop-animation video or a slideshow presentation, among other options.  

3. Tactile books- The Build a Better Book project encourages students to design and create inclusive and accessible media. From Authentic Adoption, all the way to Authentic Transformation, students can create tactile books or add tactile elements to existing picture books. These books may be used effectively by students with visual impairments, as well as other physical and learning disabilities.  

4. 3D shapes- Teachers can guide students during Active Adoption in how to sketch and put together a three-dimensional shape using a 3D pen. Through Active and Constructive Adaptation, students can design and build their own three-dimensional shapes, constructing their understanding of attributes.  

5. Topography- In this Collaborative and Constructive Adaptation, students work together to create a map. For younger students, it may be a map of their own creation displaying different land features. For older students, they may create a map of certain land regions, states, or countries, depending on the unit of study. Students can use 3D pens to create the topography that shows their understanding.  

**NOTE: Any project can be started at the Active Entry phase with an instructional video if students have never used a 3D pen before.

Here are some great resources to help you get started with your own 3D pen exploration:

This is a tutorial for beginners on using *any* 3D pen for the first time. It also gives several tips on how to make it more effective.

3D Pen Stencils This site from 3Doodler contains hundreds of templates that can be used to create 3D models. It has a keyword search function, as well as a category filter that includes the topic "Teach."

Makerspace Tips & Tricks Hear from a public librarian, as she shares her experience with 3D pens in the makerspace.

Do you have any experience with 3D pens? I'd love to hear about it!