MIDDLE SCHOOL
3D-scanned portraits ready for painting.
Annemarie Baldauf
Imagine printing a photograph and having your subject appear in three dimensions instead of two. Like a camera, a 3D scanner can be used creatively to capture a subject’s essence through personal filters.
Teaching my students about 3D scanning and printing provides them with a new medium for their creative toolbox. The product of this captivating and challenging medium is like a monoprint because each print is unique. The elements of art and principles of design are evident in students’ choices.
The creative potential of this medium is just beginning to be explored. Teaching students how to 3D print is now part of the media art curriculum and national art standards. I learned how to work with a 3D printer seven years ago when MakerBot donated a 3D printer to our school. I went from being a realistic watercolor painter to a 3D print artist.
Teaching my students 3D scanning provides them with a new medium for their creative toolbox.
Technology Resources
To get started 3D scanning, I used the following:
If you need help getting set up, contact your school district’s tech people to help install your 3D-printing station.
Scanned Self-Portraits
Once everything is set up, it is fairly intuitive to use, and I think you will be thrilled with the results.
I demonstrated the scanning process for students, and they watched eagerly, excited to try their hands at scanning themselves.
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