3-D Printing Technology Projects in a Science Methods Course: Enhancing Prospective Teachers' Science Teaching Confidence

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Research in Science Learning and Teaching Poster Session 1

Abstract

We designed a 3D Printing Technology Science Project as part of a science methods course to engage preservice teachers (N = 41) in a 3D printing project that they could implement with their future elementary school students. The goal was to introduce prospective teachers to engineering design and technology application ideas and increase their science teaching confidence. Students used 3D modeling and printing technology to design a boat for a science experiment to explore how much weight it could support. After participating in the project, participants reported significantly lower anxiety about teaching science and significantly higher science teaching self-efficacy, interest in science, and perceived competence in the engineering and technological design science standards.

Authors

• Elena Novak, Kent State University

• Sonya Leach Wisdom, Kent State University