Create-a-Creature

thingiverse

Instructional Objectives: This project challenges students to design and print a 3D creature model for creative writing and science. Students will apply what they have learned about animal characteristics and adaptation to create a new creature or give a current creature magical powers. Create a 3D model of a creature (new or existing) using Tinkercad and/or Thingiverse for animal shapes and introduce your creature, sharing its physical adaptations, daily habits, behavioral adaptations, predators, and prey. Detailed Directions: Include your creature's name, height, weight, appearance (color, skin, scales, tail, wings, fur, texture, etc.), current age, and life expectancy. Describe its diet (herbivore/omnivore, main prey, etc.), special powers, distinctive features, where it was born (location, state, country), the environment/habitat it prefers (land, air, sea, combination), any predators, and lifestyle (solitary or social). Use vivid language and descriptive imagery to bring your creature to life. The creature should be in standing position and able to balance when printed. Please make the creature between 4-6 inches tall. Audience (Subject / Grade Level): English/Science/Technology for elementary to middle school students (grades 3-8). Materials List: laptop or computer with internet access, Tinkercad.com, Thingiverse.com, sketch paper and pencil, acrylic paints and paint brushes. Time Estimates: 4 sessions, 40 minutes each. ISTE Standards: Knowledge Constructor - Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts, and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. They plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits. Innovative Designer - Students use various technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful, or imaginative solutions. They develop, test, and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process. Creative Communicator - Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats, and digital media appropriate to their goals. They create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations. They communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using various digital objects such as visualizations, models, or simulations.