Fidgets for Fidgeters

thingiverse

Fidget devices consistently demonstrate a positive impact on student learning in the classroom setting, significantly increasing on-task behavior among students, particularly those with ADHD and Aspergers. In this engaging activity, students created their own fidget device based on essential criteria: it had to move, and its use should cause minimal distraction for others. Only two examples of fidgets were provided, yet numerous others were produced. Students worked diligently to design their unique creations. Print Settings: Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer Model: MakerBot Replicator Mini Rafts: Yes Supports: No Resolution: Standard Infill: 10% Notes: To facilitate easier bearing installation in spinners, click the up-sizing button once. This adjustment will enable a smoother fit without damaging the print. Overview and Background: Why Fidgets? Fidget devices have been shown to positively impact student learning in the classroom setting, increasing on-task behavior among students, especially those with ADHD and Aspergers. In this activity, students designed their own fidget device based on essential criteria: it had to move, and its use should cause minimal distraction for others. Lesson Plan and Activity: Introduction to 3D Printing/Fidgets Preloaded Information: Tutorials in Project Ignite and practical use of the program Tinkercad, which enables drawing real-world objects from scratch. Intro: Pre-printed fidgets were distributed to all students, allowing them to use them throughout the period. Background: Introduction to 3D Printing (PowerPoint), included in Thing Files. Practical Application: Instruction on downloading .stl and .obj files for printing was provided. Students will complete the following activity: After researching the term and examples of fidgets, students designed a fidget on Tinkercad to be printed using the 3D Printer. Closure: Students may keep their fidgets or donate them to the guidance office. A minimum of 25 fidgets will be printed for the guidance office. Materials Needed: It is essential to have standard 608Z skateboard bearings for spinners (100 were purchased for $33 on eBay). Background knowledge of CAD design, specifically using Tinkercad, is necessary. 3D Printer Skills Learned: EDP Duration of Lesson: 3 hours, excluding printing time.