3D Printing in Chemistry Teaching: From a Submicroscopic Molecule to Macroscopic Functions - Development of a Molecular Model Set and Experimental Analysis of the Filaments

In the last few years high quality 3D printing has become quite inexpensive. Therefore, a look at its possible applications in school chemistry teaching seems worthwhile. This article deals with a project to engage upper school students in the development and production of their own molecular model set using a computer-aided design (CAD) program and a 3D printer. The presented teaching unit can be integrated into regular chemistry classes with six to eight lessons or can be offered as an elective lesson course. Part of this teaching unit is the investigation of different 3D print filaments to elaborate their chemical structure-properties-relations. The filaments are characterized by their melting behavior and by further chemical analysis