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3D Printing & Maker Spaces Flashcards

7 cards from real STEM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 3D Printing & Maker Spaces flashcards as text

  1. Which 3D printing technology is most suitable for printing flexible, rubber-like parts in a school maker space?

    Answer: FDM with TPU filament

    TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible filament compatible with most FDM printers, making it the most accessible option for flexible parts in schools.

  2. A student notices their cylindrical print has an oval cross-section instead of a circle. What is the MOST likely cause?

    Answer: Miscalibrated axis steps/mm or belt tension on X or Y axis

    An oval instead of a circle indicates that one axis is moving more or less than commanded, caused by incorrect steps-per-mm calibration or loose belts.

  3. How does a maker space BEST support cross-disciplinary STEM learning?

    Answer: By hosting projects that require students to apply science, math, and technology concepts simultaneously to solve real problems

    Cross-disciplinary STEM learning occurs when maker projects demand integrated knowledge from multiple domains—science, math, engineering, and technology—within a single authentic challenge.

  4. Which heat-related safety hazard is unique to resin (SLA/MSLA) printers compared to FDM printers?

    Answer: UV light exposure and uncured photopolymer skin sensitization

    SLA/MSLA printers emit UV light and use liquid photopolymer resin, which is a skin sensitizer and requires UV protection and gloves—hazards absent in standard FDM printing.

  5. What is the purpose of a 'raft' in FDM slicing settings?

    Answer: A thick sacrificial base layer printed beneath the part to improve bed adhesion and reduce warping

    A raft is a multi-layer thick base printed before and beneath the actual part to increase adhesion surface and minimize warping, especially for materials prone to curling.

  6. When assessing a student's 3D printing project in a STEM course, which assessment approach is most authentic?

    Answer: Using a rubric that evaluates design process documentation, iteration, problem-solving, and whether the print met functional criteria

    Authentic assessment of maker/STEM projects evaluates the entire engineering design process—planning, iteration, and function—not just the final object's appearance.

  7. Which networking practice BEST helps an educator build a sustainable maker space program?

    Answer: Connecting with local businesses, universities, and makerspaces for mentorship, materials donations, and community projects

    Community partnerships provide resources, real-world context, mentors, and material support that sustain and enrich school maker programs long-term.