We proposed a project in which 3D Printing would be integrated into the Grade 8 Junior High Technology, Design and Fabrication and NL Studies Curriculum. This activity would also be used to exposed the rest of the school to 3D printing and create future interest and growth. We also agreed to share our journey. This will be achieved through this blog.
John Barron and his team at Brilliant labs have been very supportive, delivering the printer in person and pre-configuring it themselves. Responses to questions have also been quick and supportive.
Students have been introduced to the 3D printer by simply making keychains using Tinkercad and getting inspiration from Thingiverse. This has given us all an introduction to 3D printing and also created other learning opportunities that fit into concepts of the production curriculum. There were many design considerations we encountered when trying to print various plastic shapes on the flat bed of a vertical 3D printer. Production also included some cutting, forming, shaping, and finishing after the initial printing. Better design planning reduced the need for "post printing" production as we have come to call it.
Some pictures of our progress are below! More to come:
Above: Success! Note the little guy with the glasses. Objects like this required a lot of post-production work dues to "skirts" that were printed to support suspended parts.
Above: More "keychains"
Above: Another batch hot off the printing bed
Above: A "post production table" that has evolved in the classroom where students clean up their work.
