MakerBot has recently released a e-book called MakerBot in the Classroom. This is a great tool for educators as it provides several great examples of ways 3D printing can be used in the classroom. These examples focus on four main programs, TinkerCAD, OpenSCAD, Sculptris and 123D design. These are all great free and easy to learn programs so the ideas that this book provides are realistically able to be followed in a classroom.
If you already own a MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer you can register for a free download of the whole curriculum guide. If you don’t have a printer and want to see what this guide is all about be sure to fill out the form at the bottom of this page for a free project download.
Another thing to be sure to keep your eye on for ideas are the Thingiverse Challenges which are short contests with a focus on a single subject. These challenges can serve as inspiration for concepts you want to apply 3D printing to but aren’t quite sure how to do so.