PrintLab Pioneer

Andrew Capizzi is a Project Lead the Way Teacher at Twenhofel Middle School in the US. Andrew is one of our most creative pioneers, who provides us with valuable feedback across all our lesson materials. Scroll across to see some examples of how Andrew's students are using 3D printing and below you can read more about Andrew and his views on 3D printing.

Designing Urban Installations

In this project, 6th graders used PrintLab's curriculum to develop architectural concepts for an urban installation that would suit the downtown area by their school. During the project, students explored art, function, architecture, photography and selfie-worthy landmarks.

Bridge Structures

In this project, students took PrintLab's 'Make a Suspension Bridge' lesson to the next level by researching and designing a whole range of bridge types, before 3D printing presentational models.

PLTW Teacher

About Myself

I teach Project Lead The Way to 6-8th grade students using the Design & Modeling curriculum. We received our first 3D printer 3 years ago and currently have 2 printers.

How my Students use 3D Printing

Prior to this year, I had my students design key chains, classroom hallpasses, and trinkety-type items on either AutoDesk Inventor or TinkerCAD. I found PrintLab over the summer and it matched up with my desire to include more content-specific design elements to my engineering class.

My Students' Experience with 3D Printing

My students recently completed PrintLab's 'Design an Urban Installation' lesson. Students were interested in the different “modern”-style designs in and around larger cities. We discussed art, function, architecture, photo and selfie-worthy landmarks that these types of structures created. Some of my students wanted to design an Urban Installation outside of our school building by the car pick-up waiting area. Some wanted to include a structure at a nearby park. Others wanted to design a structure for locations that they have visited with family (New York City, overlooking the Statue of Liberty, etc.).

My Thoughts on PrintLab Classroom Curriculum

The written directions and student workbooks, along with the step-by-step video tutorials using TinkerCAD to create the parts for projects are extremely helpful for both myself as the teacher and my students.

Go to PrintLab Classroom

What we are currently working on

I am currently using the PrintLab bridge lesson and modifying it to include a suspension bridge, arch bridge, and beam bridge. My students are working in groups of four and were assigned a bridge type. Their goal is to design a bridge to replace an existing, deteriorating bridge that crosses the Ohio River from Covington, KY to Cincinnati, OH.