--- title: Making Math 3D description: By Megan Mead, May 15, 2014. Learn how 3D Printing can make math more accessible and real for students while bringing more teachable moments. image: https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/file-800321917-jpg/images/makingmath3d-resized-600.jpg --- [![](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MIND-logo-2018.jpg?width=1701&height=623&name=MIND-logo-2018.jpg)](http://www.mindresearch.org/) [![mind logo](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/MIND-logos-color2.svg)](https://www.mindeducation.org/) [![mind white logo](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/MIND-logos-white2.svg)](https://www.mindeducation.org/) - [Our Approach](https://2024.mindresearch.org/our-approach) - [Why MIND?](https://2024.mindresearch.org/why-math-education) - [Our Research](https://2024.mindresearch.org/our-research) - [Our Patents](https://2024.mindresearch.org/patents) - [Our Impact](https://2024.mindresearch.org/impact) - [Our Partners](https://2024.mindresearch.org/partners) - [Partner Stories](https://2024.mindresearch.org/partner-stories) - Our Programs - [ST Math](http://www.stmath.com/) - [InsightMath](http://www.insightmath.com/) - [MathMINDs](https://www.mindresearch.org/mathminds) - [Life at MIND](https://2024.mindresearch.org/careers) - Resources - [Blog](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog) - [Math Discourse](https://2024.mindresearch.org/puzzletalks) - [Podcast](https://2024.mindresearch.org/edtech-podcast) - [News](https://2024.mindresearch.org/news) - [Activities](https://2024.mindresearch.org/stem-resources) - [Donate](https://store.mindresearch.org/pages/donate) **Student privacy****:** learn more about our commitment to keeping students safe [Read More](https://www.mindresearch.org/privacy-policy) ![MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/graphics/headers/_blog-headers/MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5.png?width=2000&height=667&name=MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5.png "MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5") Category Community Teaching & Learning Technology & Games Research & Outcomes Neuroscience Celebrations & Successes [![Subscribe](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/a35fb57d-2960-4554-a0f3-e7bb5946fc70.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/a35fb57d-2960-4554-a0f3-e7bb5946fc70) [Mathematics](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/topic/mathematics) # Making Math 3D By [Guest Blogger](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/author/guest-blogger) - - - - - [mailto:?subject=Making%20Math%203D&body=Making%20Math%203D%20https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/bid/386060/making-math-3d](mailto:?subject=Making%20Math%203D&body=Making%20Math%203D%20https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/bid/386060/making-math-3d) - When I think of 3D printers, I am instantly taken back to the days of watching George Jetson: Imagine pressing a button and opening a magic door to exactly what you had asked for. While 3D printing technology seems frighteningly close to that futuristic memory, the truth is, there is HUGE potential for 3D printing to impact math education in a variety of ways. **The Process.** The idea of how 3D printing works is a math lesson in itself. Being a total novice in this department I called [Casey Hopkins](http://https://twitter.com/caseyhop), Founder of [Elevation Lab](http://www.elevationlab.com/). Hopkins uses a 3D printer to build product prototypes and was able to help me visualize the process — think of a tube of toothpaste or a hot glue gun, building layer upon layer until the desired object is created. Not to oversimplify, but in attempt to gain a very basic understanding of what is happening within these machines, he explained the process so that I could brainstorm classroom connections. It really breaks down to: - The individual gives the machine a detailed set of instructions through the use of computer software (often including algebraic equations as instructions). - The printer uses these instructions to create layers that build upon one another to construct the final project (think of building a ball by carefully stacking cut out circles of different shapes). - In order to build more complex items, the software provides more complex instructions (and therefore more complex math to review with students). **The Mathematics.** As you might have guessed, the math teacher in me can’t help but immediately think about how I would use this idea in the classroom — and there are a number of ways that a 3D printer can advance students' conceptual understanding of fundamental and complex mathematics: 1. Functions – A 3D printer really is a perfect example of an input/output. Why not use the idea to help students understand the role of a function in mathematics? 2. Algebraic Equations – We can take the idea of a function one step further and look into exactly what equations are used in the computer software that builds instructions for these printers. If we want the printer to build a circle, what sorts of equations might we use in our instructions? 3. Recursive Formulas – This type of formula uses the preceding term to define the next term of the sequence. They may use the same formula but because they start with a different input, they result in different patterns. 4. (x,y,z) Coordinates – The final printed product is made up of a network of these coordinates that help to create the structure of the object. 5. Intersecting a plane with solid objects – When you intersect a plane with a cube, what do you get? Now think instead of building that cube out of a series of squares. Why not use the process of 3D printing to expand on this idea? Better yet, let the students research 3D printing and explain the process to you. **Mathematical Modeling.** As I continued to research this idea, I wondered how else these printers would impact the classroom. For my continued education, I called our friend [Dr. Matthew Peterson](http://mindresearch.net/about/who/leadership/#biompeterson) at MIND Research Institute. MIND Research is actively working on building 3D manipulatives that work with their [Spatial Temporal (ST) Math](http://www.mindresearch.net/programs/) software, helping “make math come to life even more so than with the software alone.” MIND Research is currently piloting a program now that provides teachers with the software for a variety of manipulatives that are embedded into the ST Math program. Dr. Peterson explains that he has been looking at how to do manipulatives for a long time: “It adds a lot of flexibility and instant access into the physical world from a digital content.” MIND continues to research when and how to incorporate manipulatives effectively to bridge between the physical and virtual world. 3D printing provides a more efficient model for a variety of classroom manipulatives. Most importantly, you can print out the exact amount each student needs. Gone are the days of purchasing full class sets and shipping them from around the world. If you have 30 kids that each need a hands-on experience for different concepts, you can easily personalize the learning experience for every one of them. If you lose one piece, you won’t have to get a whole new set; you can instantly print just what you need. New technologies will allow you to recycle within the 3D printing machine, helping cut down on waste. As the world around us continues to change, we need to look at how we introduce kids to new technologies and innovation. The 3D printer and other tools like it are creating more and more teachable moments for us and our students. Let's make sure we utilize these opportunities to help prepare students for careers of the future. *Megan Mead is a Project Manager and Math Contributor at [Getting Smart](http://www.gettingsmart.com). Follow her on Twitter at @MegMarMe*. *This post first appeared on [GettingSmart.com](http://gettingsmart.com/2014/04/making-math-3d/) in April 2014.* ![Guest Blogger](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Graphics/jiji_wave.png) ### About the Author MIND Research Institute welcomes guest blogs that highlight best practices in math education, blended learning and innovative learning strategies that inspire students at all ages. ### Comment #### [Creating a School Climate that Embraces and Maximizes Blended Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/bid/385683/creating-a-school-climate-that-embraces-maximizes-blended-learning) [Getting Sharp by Training Working Memory](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/training-working-memory) ### Search Result By: ![feature image](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Blog/Images/Inside-our-Minds-logo-teal-800x800.png) [Featured Podcast](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/topic/featured-podcast) ### [Rethinking Attendance in Edtech](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) [Listen Now](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) ##### LATEST PODCAST EPISODES ###### BY MIND RESEARCH INSTITUTE - [Rethinking Attendance in Edtech](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) - [People, Process, and Penguins: Designing Math Experiences](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/people-process-penguins) - [Bridging STEM Gaps with STEMconnector CEO Jo Webber](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/bridging-stem-gaps-with-stemconnector-ceo-jo-webber) - [The EdTech Genome Project: Talking Implementation with Elizabeth Birie](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/edtech-genome-project) - [From Meeting the Moment to Foundational Change](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/from-meeting-the-moment-to-foundational-change) ##### [See all podcasts](https://www.mindresearch.org/edtech-podcast) ## Interested in Contributing? 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