The MakerBot SKETCH Classroom just made it easier for organizations who now see the value of integrating 3D printers in classrooms as a tool for the teaching and learning process to integrate these systems into their classrooms.
MakerBot today launched the MakerBot SKETCH Classroom, a new 3D printing solution designed to facilitate 3D printing in schools. The MakerBot SKETCH Classroom is designed to be the most reliable 3D printing setup for the classroom, giving students more access to 3D printing facilities and setting up teachers for success.
SKETCH Classroom comprises 3D printing hardware and licenses, as well as MakerBot’s extensive education ecosystem.
Today’s changing nature of the job market presents a problem for educators trying to prepare students for the opportunities out there. Some of these educators, sometimes with no previous detailed knowledge in 3D printing technologies are required to teach students for this field of work
First, teachers need to understand the technology enough to demonstrate it to students, and students must learn skills associated with design, machine operation and more. In many cases, 3D printing can have use as part of an existing curriculum, providing a new way to engage with existing topics like math, art, and history.
The MakerBot SKETCH Classroom’s design helps teachers become acquainted with 3D printing and to facilitate the technology’s integration into the classroom. Its comprehensive solution addresses the challenges of 3D printing in a school setting through interactive certification courses for students and teachers, curriculum suggestions and more.
“With SKETCH, we are changing the way 3D printing is used in schools and advancing the possibilities of learning to boost student innovation,” said Nadav Goshen, CEO of MakerBot.
“We believe that the SKETCH Classroom is the best 3D printing setup for the classroom, with an ideal student-to-printer ratio, making 3D printing more accessible to students, and setting educators up for 3D printing success.”
With its 3D printers in over 7,000+ schools across North America alone, MakerBot is one of the leading providers of 3D printing solutions for education. MakerBot’s education ecosystem is the most comprehensive on the market, providing thousands of educators with the tools and resources they need to successfully integrate 3D printing in their curricula.
The SKETCH Classroom bundle consists of two MakerBot Sketch 3D printers, with enclosed build chambers and touchscreen controls. The Certification program licenses two teachers and ten students.
A connected platform that enables seamless 3D printing file management and CAD design called MakerBot Cloud is also part of the bundle.
The bundle also features access to Thingiverse Education’s extensive 3D printing lesson plans; support from MakerBot’s team; and extra accessories, including an extra build plate, snips, and spatula.
Using the SKETCH Classroom solution, students can easily submit designs through the MakerBot Cloud, while teachers can manage printing projects and queues. The system is also designed for ease-of-use to allow teachers to focus on using 3D printing as part of the curriculum. In terms of safety, the desktop SKETCH 3D printers are equipped with a particulate filter and enclosed chamber—they also have UL certification.
The SKETCH Classroom solution is expected to begin shipping on February 17 for schools in North America.
About MakerBot
MakerBot, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS), is a global leader in the 3D printing industry. The company helps create the innovators of today and the businesses and learning institutions of the future. Founded in 2009 in Brooklyn, NY, MakerBot strives to redefine the standards for 3D printing for reliability, accessibility, precision, and ease-of-use. Through this dedication, MakerBot has one of the largest install bases in the industry and also runs Thingiverse, the largest 3D printing community in the world.
