Asemapapa said that 3D printing provides opportunities for students to see ways to test shapes. "We used to teach math mostly through formulas, but with 3D software they'll be able to print out an actual artifact."
Each school sent a team consisting of a math teacher and a technology, engineering or STEM educator who worked together testing mathematical modeling concepts on 3D printers
Reuben Asempapa, assistant professor of mathematics education, said the availability of 3D printing helps educators to leverage technology and apply math modeling in teaching math concepts in most classrooms, "It shows how we can make use of math to investigate real world applications."
Tyler Love, assistant professor of STEM education and director of the Capital Area Institute for Mathematics and Science, said that the use of 3D printing in the classroom "puts math in a more practical, relatable context."
Math and technology and engineering teachers from 30 south central Pennsylvania middle schools participated in a one-day workshop offered by the Capital Area Institute for Mathematics and Science (CAIMS) at Penn State Harrisburg on teaching mathematical modeling using 3D printing.
