3D Printable Resources for Engaging STEM Students in Laboratory Learning Activities and Outreach Programs: Inexpensive a
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MRS Advances © 2018 Materials Research Society DOI: 10.1557/adv.2018.441
3D Printable Resources for Engaging STEM Students in Laboratory Learning Activities and Outreach Programs: Inexpensive and User-Friendly Instrument Kits for Educators Lon A. Porter, Jr. Department of Chemistry, Wabash College, 301 W. Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville, IN 47933, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT
Continued advances in digital design software and 3D printing methods enable innovative approaches in the development of new educational tools for laboratory-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning. The decreasing cost of 3D printing equipment and greater access provided by university fabrication centers afford unique opportunities for educators to transcend the limitations of conventional modes of student engagement with analytical instrumentation. This work shares successful efforts at Wabash College to integrate user-friendly and inexpensive 3D printed instruments kits into introductory STEM coursework. The laboratory kits and activities described provide new tools for engaging students in the exploration of instrument design and performance. These experiences provide effective ways to assist active-learners in discovering the technology and fundamental principles of analysis and deliberately confront the “black box” perception of instrumentation.
INTRODUCTION STEM activities in the introductory laboratory setting provide a valuable opportunity to engage students in high-impact learning experiences. Active-learning experiences [1] involving analytical instrumentation provide opportunities to investigate fundamental physical phenomena and important mathematical relationships within an applied and relevant context. However, many institutions face limited resources that often diminish instrument availability and restrict student engagement with hands-on analysis experiences. Furthermore, commercial instruments are engineered to enclose major components and operate in a manner that results in “push-button” convenience of data collection. Unfortunately, this approach reinforces the “black box” view of instrumentation [2] and fundamental aspects of student learning are lost. Additive manufacturing offers a versatile solution to this educational challenge. The work shared here highlights successful efforts at Wabash College to enhance introductory STEM coursework by incorporating user-friendly and inexpensive 3D printed analytical instruments kits. Each student partnership or small laboratory group is provided with a kit, containing a 3D printed instrument housing, along with a small set of
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simple electronic components. Using the kits described here, students are engaged in hands-on exploration of instrument design and performance. DIGITAL DESIGN & 3D FABRICATION DETAILS Computer-aided
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