Custom Name Tag for Kindness Month

thingiverse

During December, our school performs acts of kindness. My class worked in small groups to select someone in our community who would benefit from a 3D printed gift. One group chose Elise, a cafeteria worker, and decided they wanted to create a personalized nametag for her using the tools in Google SketchUp. Using my knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD), I taught them how to work together effectively while creating a unique name tag within a tight time frame. After choosing our recipient, it took approximately 45 minutes for us to finalize the design and make the necessary adjustments. Our print settings were optimized for clarity and accuracy. For our 3D printer, we used the MakerBot Replicator 2 with a 10% infill rate, which provides a nice balance between durability and resolution. We didn't use supports, opting instead for a straightforward print process that allowed us to achieve high-quality results quickly. I made sure everyone understood how to navigate Google SketchUp before they began their individual projects. With our project complete, we realized the importance of effective communication among group members when designing a name tag using the tools available in Google SketchUp. Our collaboration involved creating text, arcs, circles, and frames – all with precision. We utilized various features within the program to bring Elise's personalized nametag to life. The students' final product demonstrated their mastery over the skills learned throughout this project: 3D text creation, group collaboration, and working collaboratively using advanced CAD tools like arcs, circles, and rectangles.