LibGuides: Gadgets to Borrow: MakerBot

Makerbot Size and Dimensions

MakerBot Replicator Mini

Product Weight: 18 lbs

Product Dimensions: 15" x 11.6" x 12.2"

Package Dimensions: 18" x 17" x 22"

*Note: Replicator Mini requires use of a laptop

MakerBot Replicator (Large)

Product Weight: 35.3 lbs

Product Dimensions: 20.8" x 17.4" x 16.2"

Package Dimensions: 25" x 25" x 25"

Links for using the 3D Printer

Makerbot 3D Printer Checklist [part of ESB SLS handout]
A handout from Eastern Suffolk BOCES School Library System checklist on the operation of the 3D printer.

Resurgence of 3D Printers in Modern Learning (6/219)
Once a novelty in many classrooms and makerspaces, 3D printers are again flourishing as valuable classroom tools thanks to advanced technology, lower costs and more products and services geared toward K–12 education.

Both manufacturers and educators are leveraging the benefits of 3D printers in education. 3D modeling and printers can bring almost any educational concept to life, while building practical skills such as problem-solving, creative coding and design.
Vathorst College: Integrating 3D Printing in High School Education
At Vathorst College in the Netherlands, 3D printing is offered as an elective course to kids that are interested to learn more about this technology. After assembling a 3D printer in-class, the students use it to print out parts of a bottle rocket that is launched with water pressure. This project allows the students to expand their knowledge on science and mathematics with 3D printing as a vital part of the process.

Lesson Plans

Robo-Hand Lesson Plan
Students will design and create a prosthetic hand.

What can I print?

Thingiverse Education
Thingiverse Education provides over a hundred free lessons that make teaching with a 3D printer easier and more effective for a variety of grade levels and subjects. It also provides a community where educators can exchange best practices or remix projects.
NIH 3D Print Exchange
The NIH 3D Print Exchange provides models in formats that are readily compatible with 3D printers, and offers a unique set of tools to create and share 3D-printable models related to biomedical science.
33 Best Sites for Free 3D Printer Models & STL Files to 3D Print
This is a selection of the best 3D printing websites, content repositories, marketplaces and search engines for free 3D printer models to download. Each lets you browse a large choice of 3D printing designs to print at home.
45 Websites For 3D Printable Models
Most people who are familiar with 3d printing have been to Thingiverse.com or at least have heard of it. With over 1 million uploads to the site, its the place to go if you need a 3d printable model of most anything. But where else could you check to download 3d models if you wanted a variety?

COVID (Dec 220) doc camera for remote teachers

Joseph A. Edgar Elementary, Rocky Point

William Paca MS, William Floyd

Ward Melville HS, Three Village

Seneca MS, Sachem

Joseph A. Edgar Elementary, Rocky Point

Seneca MS, Sachem

Ward Melville HS, Three Village

Seneca MS, Sachem

Ward Melville HS, Three Village

Joseph A. Edgar Elementary, Rocky Point

Oakdale Bohemia MS, Connetquot

Joseph A. Edgar Elementary, Rocky Point

Oakdale Bohemia MS, Connetquot

Joseph A. Edgar Elementary, Rocky Point

Ward Melville HS, Three Village

Patchogue-Medford High School Library

Getting Started

MakerBot for Educators

5 MakerBot 123

- Book the MakerBot with Melanie Keller at SLS, 286-0891, mkeller@esboces.org. Arrange a time when you can come to pick up the MakerBot from SLS between 8:00am – 4:00pm. Make sure you have someone back at school to assist you with getting it safely into the building, preferably on a cart.
- View the updated "3D Printer in your Library Media Center" survey results
- Choose a safe, supervised space for the MakerBot to stay for the duration of the loan. These are very sensitive machines. It should be in one place that is safe and secure as they are expensive and you want to keep an eye on it.
- Put the MakerBot near the computer you will be downloading the MakerBot software onto and hook up the USB from the MakerBot to the computer.
- Download the MakerBot software to the computer attached to the MakerBot
- Reference the 3D printer checklist handout that came with the MakerBot and watch this excellent video on YouTube for the 5th generation MakerBot. Please watch the video before you attempt to run the MakerBot.
- The most important and tricky part of setting up the MakerBot is leveling the platform. This has to be done correctly or you are not going to get the correct print. There are blue sheets that cover the platform that your print will form on. Make sure you have that blue paper on your platform before you print. The video covers this, please be sure you watch it before getting started. Blue paper is included with the MakerBot being loaned to you.

- If you would like more assistance with operating the MakerBot, Model Schools can provide a trainer come to your school. Let Carl Vitevitch (cvitevit@esboces.org) know so he can coordinate with Model Schools.
- For projects, we recommend getting familiar with Thingiverse. You can get simple lesson plans that can be done in a reasonable period of time and will let you know how much filament you will use.
- We will send two spools of filament with the MakerBot.
- If you are in need of tech support, please call 347-676-3723. Explain that the MakerBot belongs to ES BOCES SLS and give them the serial # that is taped to the top of the MakerBot. Explain the issue you are having in detail to tech support.
- Please do not send the MakerBot back to SLS before you have communicated the issue to MakerBot tech support. The reason being they have greater likelihood to be able to address the concern and fix the issue on the spot.
- Trouble shooting tip: If the filament is not moving through the extruder, pause the MakerBot, remove the filament spool, lay on its side on the table, and press the button to resume.
- No one has run out of filament and has committed to small projects. This is not an assembly line type tool. Design your lesson to make one 3D print per class, not everyone making something. 3D printing is very time consuming even for the smallest print. Do a small project to get used to using the MakerBot before launching into more complicated ones. You can always book the MakerBot again should you so desire.
- Be sure to let the MakerBot cool down before shutting it off. This keeps the extruder from clogging which can prevent you from printing again once you restart the MakerBot.
- Enjoy sharing the MakerBot with your students!