3D Print a Volcano

thingiverse

This is a comprehensive guide for students to create a 3D printed model of a real-world volcano using Tinkercad and Terrain2STL. Here's a step-by-step walkthrough: **Preparation** * Students have limited experience with 3D printing and Tinkercad. * The project comes at the end of a unit about earth science and volcanoes. * Students will research and complete a report on their chosen volcano. **Research Questions** * Name of the volcano * Location, with a map * Physical description - elevation, type (shield, stratovolcano, etc.), activity level (active, dormant, etc.) * Eruption history * Additional information about how it effects the people that live nearby **Volcanoes Successfully Printed by Students** * Mt. St. Helen's, Washington * Hawaiian volcanoes, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea * Mt. Vesuvius, Italy * Paracutin, Mexico * Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines * Krakatoa, Indonesia * Mt. Tambora, Indonesia * Mt. Pelee, Lesser Antilles * Mt. Thera, Greece * Mt. Fuji - beloved symbol of Japan * Mt. Etna - very active volcano in Sicily **Steps** 1. **Terrain2STL**: Find the volcano and switch to Satellite view to see the terrain. 2. Click on Center to View to open a red box that outlines the area that will be turned into a printable STL file. 3. Adjust the box size using the Box Size slider. 4. Click and drag the box into position covering the target terrain. 5. Click on Create STL File and then Download to download the STL file of the terrain. **Tinkercad** 1. Create a new file in Tinkercad.com and import the STL file of your volcano. 2. Cut off problem parts of the model using Holes (negative space) to create a clean and printable model. 3. Use negative space blocks to cut off any remaining problem parts of the model. 4. Group the volcano and negative space block together. 5. Change the name of your model using Design --> Properties. 6. Download your model as an STL file using Design --> Download for 3D Printing. **Results** * Students created their models in one class period (45 minutes). * Samples of student work are included in the guide.