Aug 26, 2015 | By Alec

Just this week, a new study revealed that the very bright future of the 3D printing industry partly depends on our ability to integrate 3D printing into educational programs. In that respect, we are very pleased to announce that a new educational 3D printing platform called MyStemKits, which has been specifically made for STEM teachers and students, has launched a very promising Kickstarter campaign.

If the name MyStemKits sounds familiar, that’s probably because they have been around for a while, on the look-out for a perfect way to incorporate 3D printing into education – not just for the goal of training future makers, but also to improve current education programs and to add new dimensions to teaching. ‘We understand that effective hands-on-learning combines engaging manipulatives with quality curriculum. This is why our STEM kits come backed with vetted, interdisciplinary curriculum written by teachers and content-area experts. We have worked for years to assemble an unparalleled digital library of supplies teachers, parents, and camp coordinators can print and use right in their home, classroom, or library,’ they explain.

 Founded by entrepreneur and technology specialist Laron Walker and 3D Modeler Hannah Olson, MyStemKits originally launched as a kind-of 3D printing webshop, where teachers can purchase educational 3D printed models made in their own 3D printing farm. A Kickstarter campaign launched earlier this year for that purpose did quite well, but failed to meet the required goals.

Being sent back to the drawing board is never a bad thing, however, as it enables you to streamline and improve your product. And that is exactly what MyStemKits has done. ‘Last time around, we were looking to purchase about 10 3D printers (at around $2,000 each) so we could print and ship the designs out to you. This time, however, we’ve found a way to distribute the digital files. That means we don’t have to spend thousands of dollars investing in 3D printers. Instead, we can focus on creating an online platform for distribution,’ they explain.

And that is, in a nutshell, what the new and improved MyStemKits is: an online platform filled with over fifty kits that can be purchased and downloaded, before 3D printing them yourself. ‘These kits have been designed for the classroom in every regard. From considerations of reducing plastic costs and print times, to including step-by-step instructions, worksheets, and student assessments with their curriculum, the MyStemKits.com package is out-of-the-box ready,’ they say.

What’s more, they are also specifically designed with an eye on education, and in collaboration with educational specialists from Florida State University’s FCR-STEM team and HipScience. ‘We work on a daily basis with the FCR-STEM team to ensure that all of our kits exceed teacher expectations. The kits and curriculum are designed concurrently and so they enhance each other and ensure that both products are as effective and engaging as possible,’ they explain. And so far, the response from the students has been excellent. ‘Children are drawn to them. They want to play with them, to see how they work. And they learn as they’re doing so. It’s amazing to witness that moment when they suddenly get it,’ Olsson says from experience.

Below: teacher responses.

So how does it work? If successful, MyStemKits will launch a platform where teachers can purchase complete and downloadable kits using a system of credits that reflect the value and complexity of each kit. Supporters of the Kickstarter campaign will obviously be rewarded credits to grant them access to the kits, should the crowdfunding be successful.

All kits are also 3D printable on almost every desktop FDM 3D printer. ‘As time continues, we will be adding more and more kits and more and more curriculum to our online library. We will be adding integration options for new 3D printers, and finessing the print files for the 3D printers we currently support,’ they add. If you’re interested in this fantastic educational concept, head over to Kickstarter here. A modest pledge of just $15 is enough to make a difference and to get access to a few kits.


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