Suggested time: 180 minutes
Suggested age level: 8 - 14
Required and optional materials:
- TINKERCAD (FREE, need to create an account)
- Markers / Pencils / Paper
- Scissors / Tape or glue
- 3D Printer (Optional, only if you want to print out your designs). A list of popular 3D printers with various price point and functionality can be found in this link. If you are looking for specific 3D printer with enclosure as well as dual extruder (allow you to print 2 different color), we will recommend to use the FlashForge Creator Pro.
- 3D Printer Filament (Optional, only if you want to print out your designs). You can find many 3D printer filament materials on the market, the dominate filament type is ABS or PLA. We recommend to use PLA as it is the least toxic filament. For more guidance on what filament to choose and safety tips, please read through the safety tips article here.
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
- Amazon.com: Tinkercad For Dummies (9781119464419): Bryant, Shaun C.: Books
- 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
- 3D Printing & Sudoku Lovers Puzzle Activity Gift Book: Depot, Mega Media: 9798632850827: Amazon.com: Books
- 3D Printing Failures: 2020 Edition: How to Diagnose and Repair ALL Desktop 3D Printing Issues: Aranda, Sean, Feeney, David: 9781710054590: Amazon.com: Books