Who says 3D printing can’t be suitable for kindergarten students? Typically, we think of 3D printing as an in-depth process involving a powerful 3D printer and technical, computer-based design program. Well, that’s not always the case and the new 3Doodler Build & Play is a perfect example. Following in the footsteps of their 3D printing pens, the 3Doodler Build & Play allows students to create three-dimensional objects and artwork with the simple crank of a lever! Students as young as four years old can bring greater purpose to play and design and create 3D designs in seconds using the safe 3Doodler Build & Play solution—an ideal option for early education art and design!
The other 3D printing tools from 3Doodler (the 3Doodler Start and 3Doodler Create+) are 3D printing pens meaning that students use them to create 3D objects in the same motion they would use when writing. Since Pre-K and kindergarten students may not fully be able to write yet, however, its modified design accommodates them and allows them to invent in their own way. Students can feed filament into the slot in the back of the Build & Play device, which is shaped similarly to an electric drill. Once the strand of filament is in place, they can start cranking the lever to work it through the inside and get it ready to mold in their invention.
To make inventing even more geared towards the younger crowd, the 3Doodler Build & Play also incorporates a good amount of storytelling and students can build objects they hear about in stories that come as part of the kit. This allows them to build confidence in hands-on experiences and get creative in how they tell their own stories since they’ll tend to try to talk about things they’d like to design. Using the Build & Play pen, it takes just seconds to turn a piece of filament into a piece of a three-dimensional design. Students can also build entire objects in no time at all—especially with some help from parents or teachers. As they’re going through the invention process, kids are also able to further develop their fine motor skills and even work on their hand-eye coordination while holding the device.
One cool feature of the Build & Play is that both lefties and righties can use it. Students can simply turn it around and position the lever on the side of their preference. It’s designed to allow for quick inventing and the introduction of characters in storytelling, so, especially when there might be a few characters in a story, the Build & Play makes it easy for kids to create quickly and precisely. The kit comes with an included picture book, allowing kids to reference character designs so they have an idea of how to make them look. Of course, they could also get creative and make their own tweaks and personal additions as they go! The idea is to have the picture book set the stage and provide some additional inspiration and then have children use the characters they design in creating their own stories!
Students can build three-dimensional animals, like giraffes, elephants, lions, birds, and more—all inspired by the included story book. The Build & Play also makes a great tool for versatile learning, allowing for kids to use it individually or as part of a team. If they’re in the classroom, they can collaborate with a classmate or two and, if they’re learning from home, they can pair up with a sibling. Since both the machine itself and the filaments are so compact, it's easy to transport the 3Doodler Build & Play so students can use it in different settings.
The kit itself comes with the Build & Play device, one mold tray, 24 strands of filament in various colors, two story backdrops, and one themed storybook. The Build & Play requires three AA batteries, which are not included. Since it comes with all the materials young kids would need to combine hands-on making and beginner level literacy, this kit serves as complete home learning solution—you just need to grab your own batteries! It also comes with a 365-day warranty should any technical issues arise and the 3Doodler team does a great job of providing support and insight on their blog!
Though it does come with enough filament to get kids started, should they run out, we also offer refill packs. The Build & Play model uses the same filaments as the 3Doodler Start and the refill pack on our store contains 1,200 additional strands! If you ever need to restock on filaments for the Build & Play, just be sure to get the 3Doodler Start filament because the 3Doodler Create+ filament is different. Plus, since it requires the batteries, the Build & Play is completely cordless, making it more convenient for use around the home or classroom.
As for any safety concerns, the Build & Play is completely safe for young children to use though adult supervision on the side is ideal. After all, it's built so children in Pre-K or kindergarten to try low-level manufacturing! Though the filament is warm when it first comes out of the tip of the Build & Play, it’s not hot and safe for kids to touch immediately. They can also use their hands to mold the printed filament into the perfect shape before it cools and hardens. On top of that, the filament is also completely safe for children and specially designed for them. They are non-toxic, BPA-free, and completely biodegradable!
As a teacher, the 3Doodler Build & Play could make a great way to combine art and technology in home or in-person learning. And, as a parent, it could help keep kids engaged in productive play while they’re home throughout the pandemic. To learn more about the Build & Play, visit our store and be sure to check out all of our 3Doodler offerings, which you can find below. If you have any questions about the 3Doodler line, please feel free to contact us and make sure you’re following us on Twitter and Instagram so you never miss a thing!
