Overview: 

The process of 3D printing is essentially a manufacturing technology to create objects in three dimensions using various materials heated to a temperature that allows them to be formed into different shapes.  3D printing has gained much popularity in the past few decades due to availability of cost-effective 3D printers as well as books/knowledge source on how to use 3D printers.   It is a convenient way to create prototypes or customized items for inventors and novice who likes to create their own designs.  Prior to 3D printing, 3D model (typically in STL file format) needs to be created through software like TINKERCAD to create the design shapes ideal for printing.  The lesson here is focus on 3D modelling using TINKERCAD rather than detail 3D printing which is more hardware focus.

Lesson Objectives

Vocabulary

Suggested time:                 240 minutes (best to break into 3 parts)

Suggested age level:         8+

Required and optional materials:

Reflection:  *Specific printer and filament are recommendations. Feel free to use another make or model. Also, be aware that 3D printers are slow; the quality of the design also depend on the resolution of the printing.  Prior to create your design, you should consider the difficulty of the print (shapes) and the duration of the print (size).  

Optional resources

  1. Amazon.com: Tinkercad For Dummies (9781119464419): Bryant, Shaun C.: Books
  2. 3D Printing and Maker Lab for Kids: Create Amazing Projects with CAD Design and STEAM Ideas (Lab for Kids, 22): Sequeira, Eldrid: 9781631597992: Amazon.com: Books
  3. 3D Printing & Sudoku Lovers Puzzle Activity Gift Book: Depot, Mega Media: 9798632850827: Amazon.com: Books
  4. 3D Printing Failures: 2020 Edition: How to Diagnose and Repair ALL Desktop 3D Printing Issues: Aranda, Sean, Feeney, David: 9781710054590: Amazon.com: Books

Lesson Plan (Part 1:  60 min)
Go to TINKERCAD and completed the STARTER lessons (total of 4)