Abstract:

In the 21st century, technology is becoming a part of everyday life. Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is integrated into the school curriculum. The problem-free material with good mechanical properties, PolyLactic Acid (PLA), which is characterized by the production of a minimal amount of compostable waste, is most often used for printing didactic aids. This new technology is considered an innovative form of education that develops students' skills in 3D modeling, creativity, technological literacy, problem-solving, self-directed learning, persistence, and critical thinking. It offers teachers huge potential for the production of non-traditional, unavailable, or too expensive didactic teaching aids. The aim of this contribution is to showcase the possibilities of using 3D printing to produce equipment for chemical experiments and compare their properties with purchased products.The article describes the non-traditional execution of experiments in containers produced by 3D printing. To visualize the color range of natural indicators, special drip plates were printed. By printing containers with holes for electrodes for the parallel connection of the battery, an experiment focused on the preparation of a galvanic cell was innovated. To increase the attractiveness of the Elephant Paste experiment, Halloween pumpkins, hats from Harry Potter movie, and model of volcanoes with three puffs were printed.

Keywords:

3D printing, chemistry experiment, laboratory tools, PolyLactic Acid.