CAD & 3D Printing
CAD & 3D Printing
American STEM Prep’s curriculum provides students the opportunity to explore the exciting world of computer-aided design (CAD). Our CAD curriculum is designed to help students develop key skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. CAD allows students to create 2D and 3D designs, helping them develop better spatial awareness and visualization skills. Teaching CAD to students can prepare them for future careers in industries including architecture, product design, and engineering. In today's digital age, teaching CAD can help students become more technologically literate and better equipped in their future careers and personal lives.
Starting in Elementary School, students are introduced to TinkerCAD as the main tool for our CAD curriculum. TinkerCAD is user-friendly, online software that allows students to bring their ideas to life. With its drag-and-drop interface, students can quickly and easily create 3D models of anything they can imagine. Whether they want to design a new toy, their favorite character, or a working machine, TinkerCAD provides the tools they need to turn their vision into reality. By using Tinkercad to create 3D models, students learn to visualize and manipulate objects in three dimensions, helping them to better understand the principles of geometry, engineering, and physics.
Our Middle and High School program is designed to provide students with the tools and skills needed to create stunning 3D models using not only TinkerCAD, but also Blender, SketchUp, and other advanced modeling software. Through our program, you'll learn everything from the basics of 3D modeling, like creating 3D meshes, sculpting and texturing, to more advanced techniques such as animation, rendering, and visual effects.
Our Middle and High School program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in 3D modeling, building on foundational skills in TinkerCAD and advancing to more complex techniques using software such as Blender and SketchUp. Students will practice creating 3D meshes, sculpting and texturing, as well as animation, rendering, and visual effects. Through our program, you'll gain practical experience with industry-standard software and develop a portfolio of impressive 3D models that demonstrate your creativity and technical skills.
Our school's CAD program is seamlessly integrated with our 3D Printing curriculum, allowing students to not only design and create 3D models but also bring them to life through the exciting process of 3D printing. Not only does 3D printing offer an engaging and hands-on way to learn about design, but it also provides students with valuable problem-solving skills. As they work on their designs, students will need to think critically about factors like structural integrity and printing constraints to successfully create their 3D models. Additionally, teaching 3D printing as part of a CAD program provides students with an opportunity to experiment with new technologies and stay up-to-date with the latest innovations. By learning the basics of 3D modeling and printing, students can prepare themselves for future opportunities in STEM-related fields.
3D Printers
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3D Printers are enclosed and HEPA air filtered
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Print with PLA filament
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PLA is a bioplastic made of corn, sugarcane, or beets
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PLA is biodegradable and compostable
American STEM Prep’s three Makerspaces boast twelve 3D printers and a variety of 3D printing accessories. All our 3D printers are fully enclosed and HEPA air filtered. We print only with PLA filament, a biodegradable bioplastic made from corn, sugarcane, or beets. We prioritize student safety above all else. Our teachers are trained in proper equipment handling and supervise all 3D printing activities. We also have a comprehensive safety protocol in place to ensure that all students are using the printers in a safe and responsible manner. You can rest assured that your child's well-being is our top priority at American STEM Prep
We are proud to announce that American STEM Prep has been featured in an article by Flashforge! The article highlights how ASP uses 3D printers to make STEM education more effective. Flashforge is a leader in 3D printing technology for education, and our school features the use of 9 Flashforge 3D printers in our Makerspaces. We are really honored for our school to be recognized on an international stage! I hope you enjoy reading it!