3D Printing

 My school recently got its first 3D printer in the last month. I am in the process of learning how to use the printer and Tinkercad. There is definitely a learning curve but I have managed to make a few finished products.



My first design is a button shaped like a flower. I really enjoy sewing and knitting, so I wanted to make something that I could wear. With this in mind, I plan to teach 3D printing to my students soon and this will be the theme of our challenge. Everyone must make something that is wearable, whether it is a button, ring, or even that key chain, it has to be wearable. I like this idea because it keeps the designs small so that hopefully they will print quickly.



With the lessons coming up, I am a little worried about a few things. First is scaling. I tried to make a ring and it turned out bigger than expected. Figuring out the dimensions of a circle was more difficult than I expected. I also worry that Tinkercad might be a little too complex for grade 4/5 students, but I plan to scaffold the lesson by having them begin with a tutorial and making reference sheets for the software.

Comments

  1. PhilMay 11, 2023 at 9:08 AM

    Hi Sara,
    Thank you for sharing your process, especially with the finished product. If you feel that TinkerCad may be too complex for this age group, would you limit use of the 3D printer to grade 6/7 or is there a way you could make TinkerCad more accessible to younger students?

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    Replies
    1. Sara CMay 11, 2023 at 2:57 PM

      Hi Phil,
      My school is K-5, so we need to use the printer. I think they will be able to use the pre-made shapes but I wonder if they will be able to use other features like grouping, or understand the different axis.

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  2. Mrs Véro - Mme VéroMay 16, 2023 at 12:25 AM

    Hi Sara,
    What a great project to make something you can wear; that's brilliant! And indeed, it helps to stay small, as printing can take a long time.

    I think your project could work quite well in grades 5 and 6. However, only grade 6 and up at my school use the 3D printer because they're in their classrooms, not the library.

    Here are some ideas for adapting your project:
    For grade 4 students, you might want to start by doing tutorials in front of the class, and the students mimic your design.
    Then you offer them choices. If you want to do it... if not, wait a little bit, and I'll show you how to do that. Or you could give them another task on the side, and when that's the portion they want to do, they listen to you and then go back to their work.

    For grades 2 - 3, I would do a simple object step-by-step in front of the class, with them doing the same thing at their desk. For example, they could make only colour changes. For example, everyone creates a keychain step by step at the same time as you.

    I'm not sure if I would use the 3D printer in kindergarten and grade 1. Before they can read, it's tough to use design apps. Perhaps you could do a large group project. For example, you show them on the big screen how you create a pendant for each of them (a simple shape with a hole for a string). They can then choose the shape and/or colour, and you make it in front of their eyes. Then you print it out for them. I think it can be a great introduction, and they will be even more motivated in the following years to do projects with the 3D printer.

    Also, you'll see over the years; you might see a big difference when your students who have been doing it since kindergarten gets to grade 3 or 4. I think you will then be able to push them much further.

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