Copy of Eiffel Tower

thingiverse

As I delve into this groundbreaking technology, I find many educators with already full plates expressing skepticism about the value of 3D printers in the classroom due to the time-consuming nature of printing objects. For me, however, academics take a backseat to inspiration as I entice students with what a printer can do for them - trinkets, toys, nameplates, and models of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. When exploring scale and ratio in class, 3D modeling proves particularly valuable. By showcasing numerous models I've previously created, some of which depict architectural marvels or famous monuments from around the world, I can illustrate the wonder of 3D printing and initiate discussions about scale and the techniques used to achieve these miniaturized replicas. Following a few more examples demonstrating scaling principles and related math concepts, students will have the opportunity to research their own piece of notable architecture or monument and scale it down to a practical size - for instance, 12 inches tall. Repeated lessons like this will equip students with hands-on experience in scaling models for various projects, fine-tuning their skills in suitable model sizes.