3D Printing and Mathematics Teaching
Abstract: The recent (2009) expiration of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) patent has led to a great expansion in the availability of 3D printing technology. Today, 3D printers can be found in libraries, universities, and homes. In my presentation, I will give a brief history and overview of the FDM process, outline the process of designing and creating an object using a 3D printer, and give a few ideas as to how 3D printed models could enhance mathematics teaching and learning.
This presentation will be both practical and historical and should be of interest to a wide audience.
Bio: Skyler Simmons is an assistant professor at Utah Valley University. His research focuses on periodic orbits featuring collisions in the Newtonian n-body problem. Outside of mathematics, he also enjoys playing the piano, computer programming, and (unsurprisingly) 3D printing.