3D Printing for Creative STEM Pathways

The advent of affordable 3D printers opens up a new frontier in teaching with immediate relevance to Maori and Pasifika students and their predisposition to kinesthetic or tactile learning. We call on Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington’s expertise in design and education to engage school kids with a novel hands-on STEM-focused learning experience - by combining emerging 3D-printing technologies with design and community-based learning.

During Techweek we will deliver a series of three two-hour workshops that will introduce students to the concept of 3D printing, its potential and practices. Students will start with a practical task; to design and sketch a robot or rocket. The sketches will be taken into an easy to use 3D modelling software to create their printable CAD file. These will be 3D printed in biodegradable plastic and returned to the students with a one-week turnaround for painting and finishing.  A 3D printer will run continuously throughout the workshop so that students can also observe the process in real-time. Student feedback will be documented throughout the workshop. The workshops are suitable for school students aged between 13-18 years.

To ensure accessibility and encourage engagement, the workshops will be delivered in three locations in the Wellington community during school time.

Monday 24 May, 13.00-15.00: Taita Library Clubhouse. Walter Nash Centre, 22 Taine Street, Taitā, Lower Hutt 5011

Tuesday 25 May, 13.00-15.00: Lower Hutt War Memorial Library, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt 5010.

Wednesday 26 May, 15.30-17.15: Porirua Library, Corner of Norrie and Parumoana Streets, Porirua City.

Check out the School of Design Innovation's other events at NZ Techweek that cover topics at the intersection of fashion, coding, design, & technology.

This community event listing is made possible with the support of NZTech

View the event website for more information.