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Goal

I would like to provide my Design and Modeling Engineering students more access to a 3D printer since 3D printing is universal technology that allows individuals to design and create. I want my students to have the experience of seeing the Design Process from the beginning of defining the problem and generating concepts to 3D printing the final iteration of their design as the presentation. 

What will be done with my students

Students across all 6 of my Design and Modeling Engineering classes (190 students) are learning about the Design Process by completing design challenges from the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum. One of the challenges includes computational thinking to design a solution for a five piece puzzle cube with specified criteria and constraints while working in pairs. After each student builds a puzzle cube by gluing wooden blocks together, they will explore Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software using SketchUp to build a 3D model of each of their puzzle pieces. I would like for my students to be able to 3D print their puzzle cubes for the last step in the Design Process of Presentation of the Solution. After they get experience with CAD software in SketchUp with the puzzle cubes, they will go on to learn Autodesk Inventor software, currently used in the engineering industry, to create and print more involved projects such as a train engine.  

Benefits to my students

My students will be able to experience ALL of the steps of the Design Process from defining the problem, generating concepts, design a solution, build and test the solution, evaluate the solution and present the solution with this project. In addition, they will also learn the importance of accuracy when dimensioning their puzzle parts so that they will fit together in the puzzle cube once 3D printed. This will assist when the puzzles are being timed while they are put together by their classmates in order to determine which team designed the most difficult puzzle. Throughout this challenge, students will develop essential skills including problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. 

Budget Narrative

3D printer will be purchased from Amazon with free shipping (no tax). Printer cart will be purchased from Wayfair with free shipping. Filament will be purchased from Afinia website store with free shipping (no tax).  

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