“They love the 3D printers,” said Riann Offutt-Price, STEM teacher at Cheatham County School District in Tennessee. “They love to watch them. They like to see what we're printing, how long it's going to take. It’s pretty mind-blowing for them.”
Since the district introduced MimioSTEM solutions, learners have been immersed in innovative technologies that spark curiosity, foster creativity and bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life. As a result, student engagement and hands-on learning have reached new levels.
3D Printing: A Window into Innovation
The new tools and curriculum are helping students explore real-world applications of STEM concepts in dynamic and exciting ways. Perhaps the most popular feature is MimioSTEM 3D printing, which makes it possible for students to design, create, and prototype with 3D printers. As they watch their ideas materialize, layer by layer, it captivates their imaginations and builds their capacity to think in new ways.
Chris Cooper, the district’s CTE and STEM Coordinator, sees the excitement firsthand. “They love to make. They’re fascinated by how it works,” he says. These projects not only engage students but also challenge them to think creatively and solve problems.
A few benefits of 3D printing in the classroom:
- Encourages creativity by turning abstract ideas into tangible objects
- Teaches valuable design and prototyping skills
- Inspires curiosity about how technology works and its real-world applications
Labdiscs: Science Beyond the Classroom
One of Cooper’s favorite things about MimioSTEM is being able to take science outside the classroom. These portable datalogging devices allow students to collect and analyze data in real-world environments, expanding science beyond traditional classroom settings.
Students use Labdiscs to gather data on everything from weather conditions to environmental changes, giving students a chance to practice scientific methods in real-world scenarios. “We can collect data without the computer next to us, and we can go do things out in the field. We don’t have to take the laptop or the iPad with us. We can just take the Labdisc,” Cooper explained.
Why Labdiscs are a game-changer:
- The portable design makes fieldwork easy and efficient
- Bluetooth and direct connection options allow seamless data transfer
- Real-time data collection mirrors professional field science
- They help students connect theoretical concepts to practical applications
Flexible Materials for Creative Learning
“Every week, we’re doing something different,” said Offutt-Price. “I don’t have to go out to buy new supplies. We can just use the same supplies in a different manner.”
MimioSTEM’s materials are reusable, versatile and content-aligned, so teachers can use them across multiple projects without needing constant replenishment. And Offutt-Price likes how MimioSTEM directly connects to the lesson plan, so they can just go in, find a project they want to do and scroll to identify the parts they’ll need. And all the materials were built to be teacher-friendly:
- They’re designed to support multiple projects with one set of supplies
- They’re easily adaptable for different grade levels and STEM topics
- They save time and resources by reducing the need for new supplies
A High Return on Investment
For Cooper, the value of MimioSTEM lies in the doors it opens for students to explore, create, and grow. “It helps kids be curious across a lot of opportunities and a lot of age ranges,” he said. “For educational opportunity and growth, it’s a high return on the investment we’ve put into the technology for our students.”
MimioSTEM has become a cornerstone of STEM education in districts throughout the country, including in Cheatham County. We’re inspired to see how advanced technology, hands-on learning and adaptable resources all come together to help students develop new passions, practical skills and a future full of potential. That is the true return on investment.
Learn how to bring MimioSTEM to your school, district or classroom here.
