Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing are not new technologies but are technologies which, in recent years, have become more accessible to hobbyists and enthusiasts. Engaging with these technologies allows the user to investigate and manipulate virtual and physical 3D shapes, which may affect spatial awareness. The literature suggests that…

3D design software is a commonly used interactive learning tool in STEM education. It is generally believed that 3D design can effectively train students' spatial thinking and engineering design abilities. There have been many theoretical and practical achievements in the application of 3D printing education, but the evaluation of 3D design is…

Contribution: The NEWTON fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab) Education Initiative assesses the effectiveness of Fab Lab-based learning on K-12 students' attitude toward learning science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). It considers two aspects: (1) students' motivation and affective state and (2) students' observations and…

With the rise of personal desktop 3D printing, a wide spectrum of educational opportunities has become available for educators to leverage this technology in their classrooms. Until recently, the ability to create physical 3D models was well beyond the scope, skill, and budget of many schools. However, since desktop 3D printers have become readily…