Projects Currently Underway Term Two 2024

 

We have been continuing to explore and use some of the additional features of Tinkercad with our students iPads.   We have previously shown examples of how our students have used the AR/VR function with the project development, or applying filters to designs to alter their appearance.

Another favourite creation tool at present is using the "blocks" function related to the design.  This applies a variety of technology to create a brick like version of the print.  This is accessible by a simple click and allows the students another version of their designs. 

Left: Independent Projects working of the students.  The junior class of students who have originally started working on their first significant prints.   While the students have worked completing badges and labels the next step in projects is for the students to look at producing some stationary holders.

The class with the students working are Y3 and Y4 - so the students are seven and eight years old.  We require their designs to have some individuality and also have a functionality.  In most cases this is provided by projects such as the one shown on the left.

The main design consists of three main shapes from the basic Tinkercad interface (main page design).   The shapes are then grouped together and the students name has been placed on the base.   The student then opted to have a senior school student assist with the spray painting of the design.  This design measured 130mm across was 80mm deep and 80mm high.   It took eighteen hours to print on the default settings.

Another aspect that we are looking at is to get designs that have already been completed and look at ways to alter the design or the type to change the purpose.  In the example shown left the Snowman with Guitar which was featured on this blog previously was printed as it was somewhat whimsical.  The challenge to the student who designed it was, is there a way that the design can be altered to have another purpose or another use.   The student concerned inspired by some of the other storage options from recent prints made the decision to include storage in the Snowman's head. The initial design didn't have this feature, however the student has already discovered that the addition of the storage comes at the cost of stability.  Attempting to add a pencil into this form of storage means the weight of the unit cannot be sustained.  The student is now looking to scale the entire design to make the print more purposeful, but has yet to attempt the dimensions, as a Y3 student they are a little concerned, however they are going to attempt to use VR/AR and a pencil to do so.

The Battle of Hoth/Star Wars designs is continuing to progress.   The student concerned has found that there is extensive predesigned material and props available specific to the scene that they are developing.

Already identified and located have been the gun emplacements and the target of the climatic scene, the Shield Generator has now been located and printed.  This can be seen in a mock up of the scene on the left, with a Lego Mini Figure clearly shown for scale to the left.   The actual diorama at present is awaiting sizing to ensure that everything is correct to the right ratio/scale.

This will be an ongoing project that will require a number of elements and aspects as it moves forward.