Lesson Plan - Just Press Print

Watch a Video: Dream It, Print It!
Discuss: What uses of 3-D printing do you think are most exciting? Explain. 

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know. 

• manufacturing
• customize

Set a Purpose for Reading
Point out the “As You Read” question. Have students be on the lookout for some advantages of 3-D printing.

1. What is the author’s purpose in the first two paragraphs?
The author’s purpose is to present a 3-D printed school in Malawi as an example of how 3-D printing helps solve problems.
^{R.5 Author’s Craft}

2. How does the article support the idea that 3-D printers have advantages over traditional manufacturing?
The article supports the idea with examples of advantages. It shows that 3-D printing lets people customize objects and make things as they need them, saving time and money. It also shows that 3-D printing reduces waste and can create more complex shapes.
^{R.8 Reasons and Evidence}

3. Based on the article, is it likely that people will one day 3-D print everything?
No, it would probably cost too much. The article says, “It’s cheaper to produce large quantities of items in factories.” 
^{R.1 Text Evidence}

FEATURED SKILL: Vocabulary
Use the skill builder “Use Your Words” to have students explore challenging words from the article. 
^{R.4 Vocabulary}