Influence of the use of 3D printing technology for teaching chemistry in STEM disciplines

Teachers can create engaging learning environments in engineering courses through pedagogical innovation using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Introductory chemistry courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines typically include the study of molecu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computer applications in engineering education 2024-07, Vol.32 (4), p.n/a
Main Authors: Trujillo‐Cayado, Luis Alfonso, Santos, Jenifer, Cordobés, Felipe, Ramos‐Payán, María
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
3-D printers
3D printing
chemistry
Engineering education
Environment models
learning
Learning curves
modelling
Polylactic acid
Software engineering
STEM education
Students
Teaching
Technical education
Three dimensional models
Three dimensional printing
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Summary:Teachers can create engaging learning environments in engineering courses through pedagogical innovation using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Introductory chemistry courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines typically include the study of molecular models and periodic properties, which are inherently visual concepts. Unfortunately, these concepts are often taught using two‐dimensional drawings, although three‐dimensional (3D) printing offers an engaging approach to learning chemistry in these disciplines. Undergraduate engineering students are provided with modelling software and a 3D printer, allowing them to construct 3D models of basic Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory shapes using polylactic acid. The results of this research showed that the average score of the students in the control group was lower than that of the students in the 3D technology group. This research has found that the learning curve for modelling and the time required for printing are high, limiting the practical application of this exercise in student laboratory classes. However, in an appropriate environment, 3D printing technology has the potential to be a valuable tool for teaching and learning molecular models and periodic properties of chemistry courses in STEM disciplines.
ISSN:1061-3773
1099-0542
DOI:10.1002/cae.22738