132-4 Fossils in the Classroom: 3D-Printed Models for Geoscience Education

Abstract:

Three-dimensional (3D) printing provides geoscience educators with opportunities to expand access to physical fossil specimens and develop reusable materials for hands-on laboratory instruction. However, creating physical 3D fossil models for educational purposes requires several considerations that extend beyond the technical process of 3D printing. This study developed physical 3D fossil models for use in an introductory physical geology laboratory at Mississippi State University and examined practical considerations involved in transforming digital fossil models into classroom-ready instructional tools. Fossil models were created by 1) scanning fossil specimens and utilizing existing digital models, 2) digital preparation, and 3) 3D printing using PLA filament. Printed models underwent extensive post-processing, including sanding, painting, and application of a protective coating to improve their durability for repeated handling by students. Through this process, several practical considerations emerged for educational applications, including balancing the preservation of pertinent morphological features with model quality while also considering fossil size and complexity, printability, production time, and long-term classroom usability. Throughout the development process, decisions to improve printability, durability, and production efficiency were often balanced against maintaining accurate morphological representation and the educational usefulness of the models. By documenting the development process and practical considerations associated with creating educational 3D-printed fossil models, this study provides insight for educators interested in developing accessible, reusable 3D-printed materials and incorporating them in geoscience instruction for hands-on student learning. This study demonstrated that the most effective educational 3D fossil model is not necessarily the most technically accurate or visually complex model, but rather one that accurately represents important morphological features while also being printable, durable, appropriately scaled, and usable within an instructional setting.

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