What do cars, shoes, and toys have in common? They can all be created with a 3D printer! Explore the exciting professional opportunities in the 3D printing industry with your students. This STEM Career lesson from Computer Science Applications for grades 6-8.
After you download, listen to the accompanying My STEM Career interview.
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In 3D Printing Industry, students will be introduced to 3D printing technology and two roles in the realm of 3D printing. Students will discuss the responsibilities of a CAD designer and a 3D printing technician. Then, students will explore skills and traits that successful professionals in both positions possess. Finally, students will design and evaluate a product to be 3D printed with customer specifications in mind. The lesson plan PDF includes links to the appropriate materials and resources, a detailed procedure, activity tips, and a bonus challenge activity.
What do cars, shoes, and toys have in common? They can all be created with a 3D printer! Explore the exciting professional opportunities in the 3D printing industry with your students. This STEM Career lesson from Computer Science Applications for grades 6-8.
After you download, listen to the accompanying My STEM Career interview.
Explore courses in this grade band:
Ellipsis Education provides K-12 computer science curriculum. This lesson represents Ellipsis Education Computer Science Applications courses, made for grades 6-8. Motivate your students with courses that connect to their world. Coding lessons use line based languages JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Java to explore programming options. Learn more about each Computer Science Applications course below.
Examine fundamental computer science concepts with JavaScript. Integrate conditionals, loops, and arrays in functions to enable user actions on a website. Discuss ethical online behavior and STEM careers.
Use JavaScript and design best practices to solve real-world problems. Expand understanding of concepts including functions, conditionals, and arrays. Discuss collaboration and problem-solving techniques.
Deepen existing computer science skills using Java. Explore loops, objects, methods, and classes to build applications like a fitness tracker. Discuss incorporating feedback and physical security measures.
Computer science is a part of our daily lives. As a result, students are challenged to navigate a complicated technological landscape that requires very specific skills. On a professional level, companies are recruiting for computer science careers in cloud computing, app development, and statistical analysis. On an individual level, computational thinking, problem solving, and relationship building are all deeply influenced by computer science. This understanding of computer science jobs leads to much broader applications. Anyone that uses technology to solve problems can be considered a computer scientist!
Introducing computer science in the K-12 experience opens doors for students to pursue computer science majors in college. Beyond the obvious concentration in computer science, there are many related areas of study like computer information systems, information technology, computer software and applications, and computer systems networking. Even non-STEM majors, like business, biology, and English use technology constantly to communicate ideas. In fact, listen to this My STEM Career interview to learn about how an entrepreneur might use computer science.
Likewise, computer science skills taught in K-12 can be applied directly to any career students pursue after high school. Computational thinking, problem solving, and teamwork can be applied in trades (like electrician, plumber, and HVAC) and other positions (like retail, restaurants, and reception).
Ellipsis Education spotlights the many forms of computer science careers in our Confidence Builders Series. In these interviews, hear from professionals, students, and teachers as they share how they built confidence in their computer science skills. Two particularly interesting interviews include Will Muto, a Product Technical Director at Industrial Light and Magic, who worked on Star Wars films, and Alia Enos, Software Developer II at 343 Industries, who works on the Halo video game series.
Looking for more? Here are other downloads that are representative of Ellipsis Education Computer Science Applications for grades 6-8. Mix and match Ellipsis Education free resources to use in your classroom.