That is so cool!!

Looks like another book for my wish list!  I love how all the bots have different names -- so cool.  I just helped out with a 3D printing holiday ornament workshop at our hackerspace.  It was a total blast.  It got me thinking about the best way to teach younger people (and beginners like me) how to print.  Pretty soon it will be "a printer for every child".

I do think this is a good way to get kids into 3D printing.  I especially like being able to print the characters off.  Myself being big into the 3d printing and have taught classes on 3D printers/3D printing with both adults and children have found the best way to get someone interested is the have them help build or build a printer.  A prime example is my 3 year old.  He has watched me build and help build numerous printers and now asks at least once a week "Daddy are you going to be working on a printer today.  I really want to help".  Now with that said, I will tell you having a 3 year old help is going to make the build quite a bit more expensive.  They will be sitting next to you one moment and the next they are gone with half the pieces that you will find months later stashed in the cab of their truck or with pure excitement they get a little rough and break something.  Either way that extra money is nothing when you can do something with your kids. 

Nate

Nate,

I think you are right about the building.  However, in Philly the income doesn't allow everyone to do this (at least for the people I want to get interested).  Have you done a group build or how have you attracted others to a class?

Hey Leslie

I agree that building a printer is a little pricey and tough for people with limited funds.  You can buy a fully assembled/calibrated for half of what it would cost to build.  Most of the classes are done for high school tech ed.  I have done a few elementary/middle school along with college/university level.  Most of the funding comes from the school but maybe a handful of times I either donated parts or funded the project until the printer was able to be sold.  I also do one-on-one sessions with people that typically have all the pieces purchased but just need a little bit of guidance along the way.  I do have a local hackerspace but haven't done anything with them but I know that they offer classes at a fee and advertise on the website when they are.  I guess I can't really tell you how I have attracted people as most of them had to be there or were interested enough to get in touch with me.

Nate

That's funny that it is cheaper to buy it already assembled -- good for you for DIY.  It's also nice to learn that some schools are funding this type of project.   It sounds like you have already established yourself as a 3D Printer expert, so they just know to seek you out.  I think our hackerspace just has to get more regular with classes in order to pull more people in.  In the meantime, I can certainly learn more about it.  Hoping we will do a Valentine's themed class.

I got the book today from Amazon - it's fantastic!

Thanks for showing some of the pages.  I so want this now!  Love the lamb!