As teachers, we should continually look for opportunities to make learning meaningful. Additionally, we look to create critical thinkers. With the use of 3D printers, teachers can do that. 3D technology enables students to recreate and create objects. STEAM, formally known as STEM, looks to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Websites like Thingiverse allow them to design their creations. At first, they may not turn out like expected, but the 'mistake' allows them to learn troubleshooting skills. When I was a 7th grader, my school started a robotics program. Once a week, we worked on building our robot. If a group finished, we would then be able to program the robot to compete in an obstacle course. Personally, I wasn't even able to finish building my robot and I had instructions (think LEGO instructions). Unlike me, other students in my class blossomed and were able to do sooo much with their robots while I was unable to even build the robot. 

The reason I bring this up is that every student has different strengths. With time the robotics program has trickled down into the elementary side and my first-grade son has built his own robot (much faster than what I did) and is learning how to program it. I think this can also be done with 3D printing. Kids are immersed in a technology-filled world. By learning to use and incorporate technology in our classrooms, we create future engineers, scientists, artists, or programmers that can solve future problems like with the 3D printed organs.