Development of teaching materials using three dimensional printer for teaching optics

One of the most important elements facilitating students' understanding of scientific concepts in science and physics education is hands-on experimental activities. However, in current teaching environments, the availability of suitable, accessible, and effective materials for teaching optical concepts is limited, which hinders students' active participation in the learning process. In the instruction of topics such as shadow formation and the linear propagation of light, teachers typically rely on ready-made materials or primarily deliver theoretical explanations when conducting experiments. This often reduces opportunities for experiential learning. In recent years, the rapid development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies has offered an innovative solution to the shortage of instructional materials, particularly in science education. Through 3D printing, teachers and researchers can design low-cost, reproducible materials tailored to their specific teaching objectives. The effective integration of this technology into education not only supports students' active engagement but also enhances teachers' ability to develop instructional resources. Based on these considerations, the present study aimed to develop an experimental setup for teaching shadow concepts in optics and to evaluate its applicability in educational settings. For this purpose, all components of the experimental setup were modeled in a three-dimensional environment using Blender software and prepared for printing with Creality Print. The production process was carried out using the Creality K1 Max 3D printer. The function, technical design, and production process of each component were explained in detail. Using the developed setup, fundamental optical experiments were conducted, including changes in shadow length, shadows of different geometric shapes, and the formation of umbra and penumbra. To ensure accessibility for teachers, academics, and students, all 3D design and production files were made freely available online. The study concluded that 3D printing technology can serve as an effective tool for developing instructional materials in optics, providing a visual, interactive, and practical dimension to the teaching process. Furthermore, taking into account challenges encountered during the process, recommendations were provided for future researchers who will conduct similar studies.