You're on track to get doubled donations (and unlock a reward for the colleague who referred you). Keep up the great work!
Take credit for your charitable giving! Check out your tax receipts
To use your $50 gift card credits, find a project to fund and we'll automatically apply your credits at checkout. Find a classroom project
Skip to main content

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

See this teacher's page

This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Williams from Dickinson, TX is requesting instructional technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Williams is requesting

Shaping Minds with 3D Filaments: One Layer at a Time

Help me give my students tangible models, using 3D filaments and printers, students learn by creating tangible models of concepts in history, engineering, art, and more. For instance, students can print models historical artifacts, or engineering prototypes.

  • $198 goal

This project expired on April 2, 2025.

This project expired on April 2, 2025.

My Project

3D filaments are transforming education by turning abstract concepts into tangible learning experiences. These versatile materials, used in 3D printing, empower students to create models, prototypes, and designs, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. From visualizing complex scientific structures to crafting historical artifacts, 3D printing bridges the gap between theory and practice, making learning more engaging and effective. Affordable and sustainable options like PLA also teach environmental responsibility while preparing students for future careers in STEM and beyond.

With 3D filaments, classrooms evolve into dynamic spaces where imagination meets technology, revolutionizing how we learn and create.

3D printing with PLA filament in a history class brings the past to life, allowing students to engage with historical events and cultures in a hands-on way. By recreating artifacts, building models of iconic structures, or crafting tools from different eras, students can better understand the design, function, and cultural significance of historical objects. This technology makes timelines tangible, offering a visual and interactive way to explore how societies and technologies have evolved. Additionally, it fosters critical thinking as students analyze the purpose and craftsmanship of historical items, deepening their appreciation for the ingenuity of past civilizations. Through personalized projects and collaborative activities, 3D printing transforms history lessons into immersive learning experiences that inspire curiosity and a deeper connection to the past.

What makes your students the best is their ability to bring history to life with creativity, curiosity, and dedication. They don’t just learn about the past—they engage with it, using their unique talents to research, design, and craft projects that reflect their deep understanding and personal connection to historical events. Your students stand out because they go beyond the surface, thinking critically about how artifacts, structures, and tools shaped societies and cultures.

Mr. Williams R.D. McAdams Junior High School Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Mr. Williams

Dickinson, TX View local requests

More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

350 students impacted

Boost your odds

Add a profile photo in addition to your classroom photo. If you add a photo, it'll show up right here on your project page.

You are more likely to receive funding if you put a face to your name.

Upload a photo

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

You donate directly to the teacher or project you care about and see where every dollar you give goes.

Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mr. Williams is requesting.

See our finances

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
2.85mm(3mm) Matte PLA Filament 2.85mm Orange, 1kg Carton Spool PLA Filament 2.85 - Polymaker PolyTerra PLA 3D Printer Filament, Print with 2.85mm Openning 3D Printers Only • Amazon Business $20.99 1 $20.99
2.85mm(3mm) Matte PLA Filament 2.85mm Red, 1kg Carton Spool PLA Filament 2.85 - Polymaker PolyTerra PLA 3D Printer Filament, Print with 2.85mm Openning 3D Printers Only • Amazon Business $20.99 1 $20.99
ANYCUBIC Matte PLA Filament 1.75mm, FDM Printer Filament 1kg Spool (2.2 lbs), Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.03 mm (1kg, Matte Yellow) • Amazon Business $18.99 1 $18.99
OVERTURE PLA Matte 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm, Matte PLA 1kg Cardboard Spool (2.2lbs), Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.02 mm (Matte Wood) • Amazon Business $16.79 1 $16.79
OVERTURE PLA Matte 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm, Matte PLA 1kg Cardboard Spool (2.2lbs), Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.02 mm (Matte Blue) • Amazon Business $16.14 1 $16.14
Creality Matte PLA 3D Printer Filament, PLA Filament 1.75mm 1KG(2.2lbs) Matte Finish Smooth Printing Cardboard Spool 3D Printing Filament Fit for Most 3D Printers(Matte Grey) • Amazon Business $13.99 1 $13.99
Creality Matte PLA 3D Printer Filament, PLA Filament 1.75mm 1KG(2.2lbs) Matte Finish Smooth Printing Cardboard Spool 3D Printing Filament Fit for Most 3D Printers(Matte Black) • Amazon Business $13.99 1 $13.99
Creality Matte PLA 3D Printer Filament, PLA Filament 1.75mm 1KG(2.2lbs) Matte Finish Smooth Printing Cardboard Spool 3D Printing Filament Fit for Most 3D Printers(Gypsum White) • Amazon Business $13.99 1 $13.99

Materials cost

$135.87

Vendor shipping charges

FREE

Sales tax

$0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$2.04

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$167.91

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$29.63

Total project goal

$197.54

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

View complete list Show less

Give the most requested basic supplies

See teacher requests

Give back to your community

Find opportunities to impact local needs by exploring a map of classroom projects near you.

See local area

Project Activity

{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"TX","teacherPossessivePronoun":"his","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":3,"name":"Middle School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":198,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":false,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/shaping-minds-with-3d-filaments-one-lay/8983432/","mayHaveReplacements":false,"numStudents":350,"teacherScreenName":"Mr. Williams","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"1684547665","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":0.00,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"schoolCity":"Dickinson","teachersOnPage":[9792858],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":false,"proposalId":8983432,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":0,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"authorIds":{"9792858":{"owner":"Mr. Williams","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":0.0,"proposalsOnPage":[8983432],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9792858_orig.jpg?crop=827,827,x0,y107&width=136&height=136&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728017419657","teacherHasProfilePhoto":true,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":6,"teacherChallengeId":22422689,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":null,"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":9792858,"schoolCounty":"Galveston","fullyFunded":false,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":true,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"TX","name":"Texas"}}