Presentation Type
Poster
Full Name of Faculty Mentor
Kevin McWilliams, Chemistry
Major
Biology
Presentation Abstract
Molecular structures, spatial arrangements, bond angles and stereochemistry are examples of topics that chemistry students struggle to grasp because it can be difficult to visualize how they work. 3D printing offers a way for instructors to provide students with molecular models to allow them to experience hands-on learning to better understand these concepts. The aim of this research is to design a method of remotely monitoring as well as controlling the 3D printer, and to explore what molecular editing programs could be useful in creating 3D models to print. To address the former, the software, Octoprint, will be used in conjunction with a Raspberry Pi controller and camera. To address the latter, the molecular editor, Avogadro, will be used, in conjunction with other software to produce .stl files which can be utilized by the printer. Our goal for this semester is to have the 3D printer fully operational and to be able to design our own molecules and print them out so that students can have access to handheld versions of complex molecules when learning spatially challenging concepts.
Start Date
12-4-2023 4:00 PM
End Date
12-4-2023 6:00 PM
Disciplines
Biology
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Gregory, "Utilizing 3D Printing as a Method of Engaging Students and Assisting in the Learning of Spatially Challenging Concepts" (2023). Undergraduate Research Competition. 88.
https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/ugrc/2023/fullconference/88
Included in
Utilizing 3D Printing as a Method of Engaging Students and Assisting in the Learning of Spatially Challenging Concepts
Molecular structures, spatial arrangements, bond angles and stereochemistry are examples of topics that chemistry students struggle to grasp because it can be difficult to visualize how they work. 3D printing offers a way for instructors to provide students with molecular models to allow them to experience hands-on learning to better understand these concepts. The aim of this research is to design a method of remotely monitoring as well as controlling the 3D printer, and to explore what molecular editing programs could be useful in creating 3D models to print. To address the former, the software, Octoprint, will be used in conjunction with a Raspberry Pi controller and camera. To address the latter, the molecular editor, Avogadro, will be used, in conjunction with other software to produce .stl files which can be utilized by the printer. Our goal for this semester is to have the 3D printer fully operational and to be able to design our own molecules and print them out so that students can have access to handheld versions of complex molecules when learning spatially challenging concepts.