Speedy Architect Project

thingiverse

This is a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about engineering, design, and teamwork through building a custom 3D printed connector using Tinkercad. Here's a breakdown of the content: **Lesson Overview** * Title: Speedy Architect Project * Grade Level: 6th-12th grade (used with 8th graders) * Subjects: Science, Engineering * Skills Learned: + MS-ETS1-1: Define design criteria and constraints with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution. + MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process. + Extension Activity (MS-ETS1-3): Analyze data from tests to identify similarities and differences among several design solutions. **Activity Instructions** * Students will work in groups of 3 to build a custom 3D printed connector using Tinkercad. * They will need to drag a new cylinder onto the workplane, resize it to 5 mm diameter, and use the Ruler tool to make this easier. * The students will then group their new connector together and copy-paste it to create multiple connection points. * Once they have finished designing their connector, they will select "Download for 3D Printing" and choose the STL file format. **Preparation** * Lay out all materials beforehand, as students will be selecting from a class pile. * Group formation: random groups of 3. * References: + http://www.rogersconnection.com/triangles/ + http://www.ctgclean.com/tech-blog/2012/10/the-strength-and-mystery-of-triangles/ + https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_trusses_lesson01 **Materials** * Drinking straws (50 per group) * Scissors (1 per group) * Ruler (1 per group) * 3D printed connector pieces (20-30 of each type per group) - in Thing Files * PRO TIP: Print each connector piece in its own color. **Duration** * 1-2 class periods (3-4 if including extension activity) **Rubric and Assessment** * Rubric: attached in the Thing Files. * Reflection Questions: + A description of your final designs + Your initial design/plan + How did this initial design change as you built your structures? + Did you ever start over? + The final height of your Building 1? How much weight could your Building 2 hold? + What was the hardest part of building your structures? + Anything else you learned while building? Overall, this lesson plan provides a fun and engaging way for students to learn about engineering design principles, teamwork, and problem-solving. The use of Tinkercad and 3D printing allows students to create complex designs and visualize their creations in 3D.