Tony Schmidt’s Passion for 3D Printing in Education
Tony Schmidt, a seasoned high school teacher with over 12 years of experience in Chicago public schools, has spent the last five years teaching at William Howard Taft High School, where his passion for 3D printing has played a pivotal role in shaping his curriculum. For the past 7 years Tony has been teaching robotics and early in this journey he recognized 3D printing as an essential tool that enhances the learning process by bridging the gap between theory and hands-on application.
In his classroom, 3D printing is not just a supplement but a transformative tool that enables students to bring their creative ideas to life. By incorporating 3D printing technology into their robotics projects, Tony’s students can swiftly move from concept to prototype, developing real-world skills in the process and allowing students to actively engage in building something physical as soon as the idea takes shape in their minds.
The Role of 3D Printing in Competitive Robotics
Tony and his students took part in the prestigious First Robotics Competition, a high-pressure challenge requiring teams to design and build a functional robot within a demanding six-to-eight-week timeframe. Given the tight schedule, bringing a concept to completion seems nearly impossible—until 3D printing enters the picture. By leveraging 3D printing technology, the team was able to make rapid adjustments, such as fine-tuning gear ratios, which significantly speeds up the design and prototyping process. This flexibility allowed the students to iterate quickly, making the impossible achievable within the short timeframe.
Tony knows that winning is not everything, but in 2022 Tony and his students did win the regional competition, earning a spot at the World Championships in Houston, Texas—a remarkable opportunity for the team. Success continued in 2023 when they won the Imagery Award and again in 2024 with the Creativity Award, recognized for their innovative approach to robot design and gameplay, made possible by the precision and adaptability of 3D printing. As Tony reflected, beyond the awards, students gained invaluable hands-on experience, developing a deeper understanding of mechanical systems and the engineering process throughout the project. That is the most valuable prize of all.
Tony credits much of this success to the support of his school and the sponsorship of Creality; because of the costly endeavor of participating in the Competition. He emphasizes that without this backing, such achievements would have been far more difficult.
Looking ahead, Taft High School plans to expand its 3D printing capabilities by adding eight new Creality printers. This expanded fleet of printers will empower students to bring their creative designs to life and enhance both classroom learning and after-school programs, ultimately transforming the educational experience and further preparing students for real-world engineering challenges.
The Learning Curve: Teaching 3D Printing to High School Students
Teaching 3D printing comes with its own set of challenges, from guiding students through the initial stages of conceptualization to bringing their on-screen prototypes to life. While students with a related technical background may find the process relatively straightforward, it’s not always smooth sailing for everyone. Tony highlights the radio holder project as an example of perseverance in design. One student, determined to create a functional radio holder attached to the robot for the competition, went through six iterations before mastering the 3D printer and successfully producing the final piece.
3D printing offers robotics students a unique opportunity to turn their imaginations into tangible reality, opening up creative possibilities that were previously inaccessible. However, for beginners, the journey is a little more difficult. Many students face hurdles like bed leveling—one of the most common and frustrating challenges for newcomers to this tech. Tony notes that while students will inevitably make mistakes, sometimes in unexpected ways, they also learn to identify pitfalls and eventually achieve the precision needed to bring their ideas to life.
The Future of 3D Printing in STEM Education
Tony envisions a future where 3D printing extends beyond the robotics program, engaging multiple departments such as theater and science. He sees opportunities for students to create props, tools, and other materials, broadening the application of 3D printing in STEM education. By integrating this technology, Tony believes it can connect students across disciplines, fostering collaboration and innovation beyond robotics alone.
He also noted that 3D printing has evolved into a more accessible technology, making it increasingly easy to bring ideas into reality. This advancement allows students to learn and create in a more dynamic and expressive way, offering them a powerful tool to enhance their educational experience.
Looking ahead, Tony believes that as these students grow into adults and educators themselves, they will carry forward the knowledge and skills they have gained through 3D printing into their own teaching practices, cultivating a more manipulative and interactive environment for future generations.
