Our new STEAM lab has graciously received new 3D printers, but only has test rolls of PLA filament. We need several kilograms of PLA filament so that my students can take what they learned from 3D modeling last trimester and bring it into reality. PLA is a safe and easy to work with material for 3D printers that allows our lab to create and prototype real models. All of my students measured and remodeled our very lab using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software called Tinkercad. They learned the fundamentals of 3D design, including position, volume, area, the different 3D shapes, and the principles of subtractive design. Using these tools, my students created custom models of chairs, desks, and computers for the lab.
With these kilograms of filament, all 135 of my 5th-grade students will be able to design and print their own custom tablet stand and small key-chain for them to use, from their imagination to a real object. Our lab ensures every design goes through the engineering design process, starting with a problem to solve (tablet keeps falling, backpacks need unique names), going through the research, then imagining and planning a solution. We then work in teams of four students to revise and refine individual solutions until the creation phase where we will be more certain that the final prints will be strong enough to hold up a tablet but also be beautiful and functional.
About my class
Our new STEAM lab has graciously received new 3D printers, but only has test rolls of PLA filament. We need several kilograms of PLA filament so that my students can take what they learned from 3D modeling last trimester and bring it into reality. PLA is a safe and easy to work with material for 3D printers that allows our lab to create and prototype real models. All of my students measured and remodeled our very lab using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software called Tinkercad. They learned the fundamentals of 3D design, including position, volume, area, the different 3D shapes, and the principles of subtractive design. Using these tools, my students created custom models of chairs, desks, and computers for the lab.
With these kilograms of filament, all 135 of my 5th-grade students will be able to design and print their own custom tablet stand and small key-chain for them to use, from their imagination to a real object. Our lab ensures every design goes through the engineering design process, starting with a problem to solve (tablet keeps falling, backpacks need unique names), going through the research, then imagining and planning a solution. We then work in teams of four students to revise and refine individual solutions until the creation phase where we will be more certain that the final prints will be strong enough to hold up a tablet but also be beautiful and functional.
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