3D Printed Display Butterfly

 

Challenge: For students to produce a unique and original design of an insect to work in conjunction with an art display (for our calf day).

Background: As per the description that was posted about this yesterday and detailed our students creations focussing on the idea of an insect.

One of the key design features that are available via Tinkercad is the wings.   This pair of wings is accessible from the main menu.  For most students including out eight and nine year olds it is a very easy move from this design to start adding details and features that further develop the features.  We also have a somewhat limited timeframe with this activity.  We were looking for students to complete the activity in the region of thirty minutes to make designs such as this one available for the first printing run to allow us to have a series of printed examples to show the class.   We also wanted to ensure that the students had an opportunity to use Tinkercads AR/VR function.

When printed as shown left some of the details from the design were able to more distinct.  The six different spikes that were included for texture at the base of the wings was able to survive the printing process.    

Resources used to complete this print: Chat GPT sheet, Tinkercad App, Bambu PLA (blue), Bambu H2D Printer

Level of Difficulty: Medium - by using the wings as the basis for the design the students were able to complete it quickly, there is more details and additions to be added the intention was to produce a physical print that could be reflected on in a physical sense.

Size:  The print is 90mm across from tip to tip of the wings and 100mm tall in length.   The width of the wings is 5mm and the thorax and the abdomen are slightly thicker although smaller.  The print was completed with rafting with was located underneath the wings which created the 'bow' or bend in them which is visible.

Cost/Price: To complete this print the printer used 20g of PLA.   This has a price point of $0.40c.

Timeframe:  To complete this print the printer was operating on the standard default settings and was operating for one hour and forty minutes.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students:  When discussing butterflies one of the key features that we have talked about with students is the symmetry.  In this example here while the student has attempted to introduce some to this design it is not symmetrical and for it to be correct it needs some slight adjustments.   The colour that has been used here is a base colour, spray painting and decoration is a strong idea, using potentially glitter and also spray paints and other tools to enhance its presentation.

The six threads/spikes at the put of the wings are in position and remaining in place however they are very fragile and must have minimal handling for them to remain.   Also the students need to consider how to display this piece with a static tin car - such as a stick or prop and how this might look and how it could successfully be supported.

3D Printed Insect: Pet Day 2026

Challenge: For a junior school students to create a unique and original 3D CAD model of an insect, suitable for an art display.

Background:   We are a school of 170 students in rural South Taranaki, New Zealand,.  One of the biggest events that we have each year at our school is our Pet Day.   On these days the students are able to bring calves and lambs for show and we also have additional sections including 'Most Loved Pet'.   As well as all of these events, detailed in Mr Bloor's amazing school videos we also have our art displays in each of the classrooms.  It was these displays that we've also used in the past for 'Tinkercad Hunt', which you can view by clicking on the link here.

Each of students has a range of art based activities to complete - one of the junior ones is to turn a tin can into a creation.   To complement this the students have to create an original insect to be part of this display.   The students were using Tinkercad and the Tinkercad app to complete this process.  This is a classroom challenge our students making these designs are eight and nine years old.  

For our English writing this term we have been focussed on information report writing and one of the categories that we investigated and the students wrote about was insects, where they spent time researching the characteristics and features of an insect.   We used 'chat GPT' as a resource generated which created the sheet top left, cross referencing Tinkercad and creation, this generated a checklist and ideas to support students.

We also used as a reference point some images of insects that had been 3D generated and created from a range of sources - we looked at examples online, what was available as a Tinkercad research and examples that have previously featured on this blog.

The students were encouraged to use the Tinkercad main interface and the shapes that were available form there.

One highlighted is the example of the ant shown left.  The student was able to create this in a single session by working and manipulating basic shapes.   We had spoken to the students about the criteria that we wanted to see on the designs from the antenna to the thorax, head and abdomen - and this was check listed via the chatGPT resource.

When the design was completed we also tasked the students with AR/VR of their design into an outside location and an inside classroom location in the school.   We have detailed this in the past and explained how with our classroom of twenty five students this allows all students the opportunity to publish something, without having to wait for a potential delay while the prints might be accessed.

The image shown left is the AR/VR via the Tinkercad App of the ant super sized and placed on the school playground to provide it with a scale.

Once this had been completed and the students had been given the opportunity to review their print and design, check against the checklist and receive some peer feedback we then moved to the process of starting to print a selection of the designs.

Resources used to complete this print: Tinkercad App, iPad, Bambu H2D, Blue Bambu PLA

Level of Difficulty: Medium.   This task challenged the students, this examples is one of the earliest stand out ones to come from a class of twenty five students and was used as a way to encourage others to think about the design.   Further details of course could and will be added but it was also important to have a student complete the process to use as a talking point for others.

Size: The print as it stands measures 70mm in length, is 30mm wide and currently stands 60mm high being 50mm in length from the foot to the shoulder.

Cost/Price:  The print as it stands uses 16g of PLA to complete the print - this has a price point of $0.40c.

Timeframe: To complete this print the printer was operating for one hour and six minutes, which included a six minute machine warm up time.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: The leg at the front left, facing the ant, did not survive the removal of the rafting, it needs to be repositioned.   The ant itself could benefit form more details on the face.   The ant could of course be spray painted to represent a particular colour or kind of ant and then a paint pen or similar item could be used to create additional detail.

Bambu Studios: NRL Coater Set

 

We've been continuing to look for examples that we would use, examples that generate attention and examples that we can illustrate to our students designs and creations.

While in the past as we've previously detailed we have used sites such as Thingiverse for public domain designs our recent switching to Bambu Printers has led us to look at the creativity and projects available on the Bambu Labs website.   This is one such example that was located from here.   

It represents the NRL Warriors logo and were able to look at printing a range of these off.    As we have a Bambu H2D one of the options that we are lucky enough to have with the machines is the colour matching for the different filament - so in this example we went with a glow in the dark for the logo and the badge and a purple for the background.

This photograph, left shows the design when it is charged and illuminating in a darkened room.

This design has a diameter of 100mm.   It has a print time of two hours and forty six minutes however this was to complete four on the print bed - the take for each of the individual prints is forty five minutes per print.   The print has a width 4mm.

The price point of the print is $0.58c for each individual coaster.   By having four of coasters placed on plate at one time producing a significant number of the coasters is possible.   The other issue is the back of the coaster or the inclusion of a laser cut to complement it.   In the example shown top left the coaster has been placed onto an MDF laser cut that is slightly larger than the coaster itself.    This has not been stained or treated and was produced on the school laser cutter. 

Project Revisited: Non 3D Printing Tinkercad related projects

 

Recently we've been publishing a series of revisions from project work from the past that has proven to be popular or has involved work over stages and time.

This is because we've had two significant events in the past two weeks, the NZAIMS Games in Tauranga and an additional week of being unavailable.

Next week, which is the last week of school for Term Three, 2026 we will be back in the classroom working on ongoing projects.   

The final showcase that we wanted to highlight was our Non-3D Printing, 3D Printing slideshow.   The idea is that we apply the same context, the same design ideas but the end result would not necessarily result in a physical 3D Print to go with the work.

Primarily we are using Tinkercad and its apps' AR/VR function for this purpose.   In each case we have a highlighted link to another post about the project with further details and information.    In nearly every case these are activities that have been carried out with the classroom here in Auroa, New Zealand.  Thank you for your visit.

Project Revisited: Christmas 3D Printed Slideshow Ideas

 

We have a single term remaining in New Zealand after next week, that is we're about to finish term three shortly.   Next term we have our school production and there's going to be a range of material and projects completed for the end of the year.

As we're currently taking a regular project printing break, and normal service resumes next week, we've been looking back at some of our most popular projects that have been featured on this blog.

Its quite seasonal but next term we'll be completing a range of festive activities as this site has been running now for over ten years we've got a range of activities that have been produced, developed and created by our students.   

This slideshow was updated at the end of last year and featured a range of activities which then double back to various posts on this blog.   We will be updating this again in 2026 however the aim is to have our students create a range of festive themed personalised decorations.

If you have any questions about any of this work you are more than welcome to drop us a line and we're happy to help with guidance.  Merry Christmas everyone.

If you would like a Powerpoint version of this slideshow and a downloadable file you can access this by visiting our 'Facebook Page' which is the companion site to this blog.

Using Tinkercad to create Virtual CAD Designs

 

Last Friday we posted about using Chat GPT to create a teaching resource/challenge information sheet so students could use Tinkercad to design some storage/housing for a Kaibot.

The challenge was to create storage for a Kaibot to also include space in the design for storage of cards.   At this stage of the design challenge the concept and the ideas are virtual - we are not 3D Printing any of the designs until they have had some revision and checking.  If you look at the first example shown left the students have not built a floor or base for this design, although the other aspects of the design are here.

In the example shown left the dimensions of the print will need careful measuring and checking, particularly for the cards that are going to be stored on top of the storage.

The storage itself could potentially be personalised for further details.     Once the exact dimensions of the robot have been identified some consideration to storage such as either a door or a bay to hold the robot in place.

Allowing this to be completed by the students in this capacity means that the entire classroom can be involved in the design process and these examples (which are shared via Seesaw) allow students to view all the examples and consider making adjustments to their own designs and ideas.   

Once this feedback opportunity has been provided we will then be selecting several of the projects and moving forward with the printing process.   Once the physical examples are provided the final step will be looking at the prints and making further adjustments.

Dance Dance Revoultion: Auroa Primary's Special Machine

Thank you for our visit, we are on a mini-break at the moment - we are back to our regular publishing schedule next week, in the meantime we've been revisiting some of our most favourite Auroa Primary School related technology, project and special events.

If there's one piece of technology that we love to highlight which always produces amazement its our full sized DDR Machine! Create by Mr Bloor and the students of our school its a piece of technology that we're constantly adding to! Our students make the music videos media for the machine.   We also hold regular competitions for our students such as last years 'K-Pop Demon Hunters Special'

We've also live streamed the competition which involves our students competing against each other and a range of competitors.  You can view one of our amazing events here.  As always we need to acknowledge Mr Bloor and Sonic Vision Studios and his fantastic work - you can click on the link to his page here.

Celebrating our NZAIMS Success: Virtuall Pinball

 

Recently our Girls Basketball team returned from the 2026 NZAIMS Games Tournament - where our school managed to place fourth in the entire country! 

To celebrate this success Mr Bloor had a special release for our students, a virtual pinball table that is modelled on the players from the team!

This was a lovely touch, where one of our schools amazing Digital pinball tables was adapted to feature the students from our school (the game itself is a modified version of an NBA Pinball game).

Already this year we had another of our famous live streamed virtual Pinball Competitions - where our students competed in teams against each other to determine a tag team champion!'

We are very lucky to have this sort of amazing technology available to our students - you can view this years livestream finals here.

Or if you want to see a spectacular why not watch our 'Fast and Furious Grand Final! This was a competition from five long years ago and is going to be a sequel to the movie for our next drive in!

Market Day 2027 - Coming Soon

 

We have a number of annual or bi-annual events at Auroa Primary School, with this year being a school production that means the next Market Day is scheduled for 2027 where our students will be engaged in running a business and using our skills and design techniques to design and create something special to sell to the local community.

In the slideshow below we went into detail for the products that were produced as well as looking behind the scenes of how they were made and developed.   

This event has a specific tab on this sites which also includes Mr Bloors amazing videos - you can click on the link to this here.    This slideshow below features the links to the products and information about the process that we went through to create each of them.

Projects Revisited: Dolls House and 3D Printed Furniture 2025

 

One of our most popular projects from last year was the 'skip' Dolls House - which we tried to rebuild for use in our junior classrooms.

While we used the laser cutter for the building and 3D Printed all of the furniture the project didn't exactly end up like we had anticipated.

You can follow the entire project, which includes links to each of the different stages, the descriptions and information can be viewed below - or you can view a powerpoint version of this slideshow and locate the downloadable file on our Facebook page.

If you require additional information on this project please drop us a line.

Celebrating Sonic Vision Studios!

 While this sight is on a hiatus and currently not active, although just for a week - we thought that we'd continue to publish some of the amazing work of Mr Bloor and his Sonic Vision studios.  This staff member if the person responsible for much of the incredible media associated with Auroa Primary School.

Our major event is in preparation as we speak - we highlighted the 2020 School Drive in movie but that was only our first instalment - following the success of 2020 version we repeated it again in 2023! 

This movie was made with the school and showcased Mr Bloors amazing talents.   In addition to this we had a viewing at the school, on a massive screen on a truck, for the entire community.

And last but not least there is the entire movie masterpiece! If you would like to contact Mr Bloor about the project or any of the specifics that go into his work, please drop us a line and we can put you in touch with him.

Ultima Ration September 14th-21st 2026

Thank you for your visit - this site is currently taking a break for unforeseen circumstances and there will be no material published in the week coming up from the 14th of September until September 2st.

During that time we will be publishing some 'end of year material' but there will be no new material which should start again in the following week.

Chat GPT - Tinkercad/3D Printing

 

While working remotely at present setting challenges specific to the students at 'home' can be somewhat of a challenge.   In this time of being somewhat time-poor an advantage is to use tools such as Chat-GPT to create general resourcing but we have already had a number of instances when we have been able to use it for 3D Printing and specific design tasks using our favourite app Tinkercad.

In this instance the task is to create some authentic storage for a Kaibot Robot, which we intend to print using our H2D Bambu Printer.

This has allowed us to produce a task that the students can use as a guide in a short space of time.    When we discuss with the students we can then refine their designs, assess their AR/VR creations and look at potential revisions before we begin the printing process once this has been completed.

We are completing this work for our friends at The Gardens School in Auckland - you can visit their school page by clicking on the link here.  We have also completed some projects for them in the past, a summary of which you can access by clicking on the link here.

3D Print School: Regular Service Returning Soon

   

We are completing our obligations in Tauranga for the 2026 NZAIMS Games Tournament. Although it has had but a parting mention on this site (which has a small link in via the 3D Printing we've done for other schools as gifts) and we don't usually post about non related tech matters our little school (that is a school with 50 Y7/8 students) has managed this week to defeat St Mary's College (Auckland), Pinehurst College.   

In addition that that we had a close pool game against the amazing Koromatua School before a run of three legendary results defeating Murrays Bay Intermediate, Kura te Koutu and Northcross Intermediate.   We also lost to amazing schools like Baradene College and Northcross Intermediate at the time of writing the 3rd/4th playoff game awaits against Murrry's Bay Intermediate, but regardless of that result a small rural school from South Taranaki has outperformed students/schools with 1500 Y7/8 students and been playing and competing against some of the top schools in New Zealand for an entire week.

What it means for this site is that shortly we will again be posting new projects and students work.  Thank you for attention to this matter and see you round.

3D Print: Coaster Exemplar Fathers Day

 

Challenge: To produce a unique Fathers Day Gift - a coaster that could hold a drink or mug and is personalised.

Background:   This process has been detailed on numerous prints on this blog.   However in this case this example can be highlighted as a great example of what is possible from an independent design perspective from a junior student.   This is somewhat of a contrast to yesterdays post which was probably featuring too much detail where this tended to have a positive balance.   The student also made sure to sink the design font into the base of the design which gave the print a more polished look than if it had been above the print.

This is the students Seesaw post about the project when it was completed.   Although normally we would encourage them not to have a blue object on a blue table you can see the lettering details (which are inserted 5mm into the base) this print has really stood out in terms of quality and presentation.

Resources that we used to complete this print:   iPad, Tinkercad App, Bambu H2D, Bambu blue PLA

Level of Difficulty: Medium.  This student did not use the template that was provided they created their own from scratch by combing two different sphere shapes from the main Tinkercad design page.

Size: As can be seen from the design page screenshot (above) the design had a diameter of 110mm which made it a decent size to be able to positively hold a range of mugs and glasses.

Cost/Price: To produce this print the project used 44g of PLA to (regular) to complete the print.   This gave the project a price point of $0.90c.

Timeframe:   The printer was operating on the regular default settings for one hour and forty minutes to complete the print.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: This project has been identified as an exemplar from our students - there is no more design alterations required or needed the only difference could be that the print could have been slightly sprayed or printed in some multi-coloured or special variant.

3D Printing: Extending the Coaster Design

 

Challenge: To produce a unique and personalised gift suitable for an event such as Fathers Day.

Background: This has been a theme that has been running through this blog for the last week or so.  'Coasters' was the theme for students to avoid a repetition based around badges (although we do acknowledge that they are very similar).   The PLA is well suited for use as a coaster (although it can slide so at times we have produce anti slip stickers underneath.    The process of using Tinkercad with the template allowed students to personalise it to a significant level.   

In this example the student concerned also went overboard with this and added int too much, which had the affect of effecting the quality of the print.   The student began with the supplied template from the second lesson, having been shown examples from the first. 

The student then went through the process of adding the additional features onto the coaster.  They added all the hearts around the rim, and the stars on the edges (each one was duplicated and then added or copied into place). 

They then added a name to the rim - on the front of the design, visible in the immediate foreground the students found a map of Australia and included this on the design to reflect heritage.

Finally the slogan on the coaster 'Coffee and Beer' gave it somewhat of a purpose (as you can see however the words 'Happy Fathers' Day' were missing from the print.

Resources used to complete this print: iPad and Tinkercad App, Bambu H2D, Bambu PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Medium - this project could benefit from the 'less is more' design thought.   The template was of course supplied to the students and the students were responsible for adding all the details which is a simple way to produce design by cutting an pasting it into place.

Size: The coaster has the same dimensions of the original being 100mm across, the idea being that it is the correct size to have a regular cup placed on top of it.

Cost/Price: As with the original the dimensions are similar.   In that instance it was using 31g of Bambu regulation PLA to complete the print and this had a price point of $0.61c.   

Timeframe:   The goal was to produce an entire classroom project run of twenty five units using two machines during a three day timeframe of regular school.    This was achieved as the coasters themselves took one hour and fourteen minutes to complete - slightly longer than the average for most of them.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students:  The students were able to complete this task independently (cohort two, nine years old) using the tools at their disposal in one forty five minute session but as noted the biggest challenge would be ensuring that the students used a 'less is more' approach.   By adding so much detail into the design, so close together, as you can see from the design the finer detail is missing from a couple of locations on the print.

Auroa School Drive in Movie - 2020 Review

 Thank you for your visit - we are currently 'offsite' at the NZAIMS Sporting Tournament in Tauranga, New Zealand competing in the Girls Basketball Tournament - and now playing in the Top Eight Competition (which as we have two classes of Y7/8 students is some achievement).  You can view the Auroa School Website here.

We are a school that is lucky to have some amazing teachers and our students have fantastic access to technology! An example of how we combine the two is our famous Drive in Move Nights, where the community comes and sees Mr Bloor, our amazing technicians creative masterpieces.

As we speak Mr Bloor is working on a sequel with the students and staff to his epic movie - 'The Fast and the Furious - Undercover Student.  We can't reveal too much, except to say the hero/villain from the original has managed to escape from confinement and is seeking to right a wrong from the first movie! This musical is going to be an amazing event and is scheduled for a 2027 release! We can't wait to share updates and a sneak peak with you, in the meantime you can view the original masterpiece below:

Auroa Primary - Apple Distinguished School Renewal

 

The work of the students (and sometimes the staff) from our wonderful rural Primary School in Auroa, South Taranaki, New Zealand are very lucky to be a 1:1 iPad School (with Mac Books for the older students).   

We've also an Apple Distinguished School - and we were very excited to recently have our status renewed for another three years.    This is a huge deal for our school as it allows us to share our learning within that community and network with our schools.    You can see our application video below - thank you to Mr Bloor and Sonic Vision Studios again for this outstanding visionary work, it is as always so much appreciated.

A reminder that we are also running a Facebook Page - the purpose of this page is to post additional media related to this site that sometimes doesn't fit the format (it is mainly additional photographs) you can click on the link to this page (which is #NZ

3D Printing: Extending Fathers Day Design

 

Challenge: To produce a unique Fathers Day themed print including additional challenges.

Background: This was one of the first of the next level challenge of designs for Fathers Day.   You can click on the link here to view some of the students coasters initial ideas and the development of their prints that followed.

This student when presented with the option wanted to look for something different that he could adapt or manipulate.   This print represented something that he felt represented his father and also something he felt would be different from the standard coaster.   There are a number of pre-made designs that feature from the Tinkercad design page (accessible from the search option).   The student selected one of the diggers from this page.

The student concerned attempted to import this into Tinkercad (successfully) and then attempted to AR/VR the image. This proved not possible due to the detail.   Following an evaluation of the detail it was decided that the print, while it was detailed and creative would not be a workable 3D Print (as it had a collection of levers, wires and general detail that would require very accurate rafting removal and also would require minimal handling).

A second digger file was located and the student felt that this would be more workable and also could be modified easily to clearly meet the 'Fathers Day' brief.    The student then made the decision to personalise the design by adding the addition of the lettering/message around the edge of the body of the crane.

Resources Used to Complete this Print: iPad, Tinkercad, Bambu H2D, Bambu Filament.

Level of Difficulty: Low - this is not a students design they have taken the design from the main Tinkercad page and are merely adjusting it by adding the lettering.   An extreme challenge would have been to build something like this from scratch in an original sense which would have been possible using the basic shapes.

Size: The print has some interesting dimensions based on its size.  The tracks measured 80mm long and were 30mm high.   The base of the design was of similar length but had the addition of the cab which was 20mm by 40mm.  The arm of the digger was 30mm wide and consisted of three sections being 60mm long each.   Finally there was the scoop which was 30mm across and 40mm wide.

Cost/Price: The print used 75g of PLA to complete the print.   This gave the print a price point of $1.49c.

Timeframe:   The total print time for this design was three hours and fifty three minutes which included the regulation time to warm up.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students:   This design at the moment has the approval of the student however there is an issue with the arm of the crane and the join point for it.   There is significant small amount of 'rafting' that needs to be moved from around the print.   This needs to be removed by the teacher not the student as it is in places that would require a sharp object.   There is of course the opportunity to increase the level of personalisation and details - and again as touched upon there is the potential that we could have students create their own versions using the main interface.

Roland Versa Sign Maker - Labels for Basketball

 

Please note the postings for this site for the week are going to look slightly different for the next five days or so as we are in attendance at the NZAIMS Games in Tauranga, New Zealand. 

We will continue to be posting as we have a number of projects that are ongoing although we are not going to be starting anything new this week directly as we are working remotely.

This week with Basketball it has been pleasing to know that we can indirectly showcase our technology in a couple of ways.  We have already posted how we have created some school specific 'gifts' for the teams that we are playing against in the form of the super sized glow-in-the-dark key rings.    

On a practical level for the team we wanted to ensure that each student while they had a drink bottle obviously made sure that they had their own individualised bottle and so for this purpose we used the schools Roland Versa Sign Maker.   We used the students Mac Book and Gimp to create an image which we then converted to a png file.   Once it was in this form it was an easy transition to the school sticker machine and a set of team individualised stickers were made for each of the students drink bottles.   

This task was completed independently by a senior student who is a Y8 student at our school.

If you want to see examples of how we have used the sticker machine to produce signs for our rubbish bins to address our recycling you can click on the link here.  You can also read a previous post about this process for a more generic team sticker from 2024 by clicking on the link here.

If you want to see additional school related projects that demonstrate how we've used the Roland Versa Sign Maker (also known as our sticker machine) you can click on the link here.

Fathers Day 3D Printing Step 102

 

We located this print online - it was printed as its intention was to show that something could be deconstructed or created by the student using this as a template or an example.   In the example shown left the print used 35g of PLA to complete the print and had a price point of $0.68c.

The print measured 80mm wide and was 100mm high.  It had a width of 10mm thick.   As it was located online there was no student input into its creation, however it was a useful physical print to be able to show the students an example that they would be able to create themselves.  By breaking down the print the students were able to realised that they could use the 'scribble' tool to replicate the lettering - that this could also be used to create the hearts that were not uniform and that the other hearts could be created by using Tinkercad shape menu and also create the bubble and a range of other affects by using circles and other basic shapes.   This design was not spray painted it was printed using a multi-coloured PLA.

Following on from yesterdays basic coaster design students began the process of using the hole tool in Tinkercad to develop lettering that was sunk into the base of the design, instead of sticking out of the design and facing outwards.

In this instance the template was used, as you can see one one of the hearts visible at the top of the print and the other one was deleted.   This was completed independently by a nine year old student in the classroom part of the cohort one of students who is printing and designing for the first time using their iPad and Tinkercad.

This print used 31g of PLA to complete the print and it had a price point of $0.61c to complete the print.   Again there was some student input into this print but it was somewhat minimal as the student was working off the design that had been shared with them, their adaptation was to take the design and include the font and lettering with the design.   The lettering for the 'Happy Fathers Day' could have been made slightly deeper into the design so it might stand out more, as did the font for the year which can be clearly seen as being more defined.

In this example shown left was one of the first attempts by a student to take a design or an idea and develop it further.  Someone tongue in cheek this student wanted to create a toilet seat themed coaster as they felt that there father spent some time there.   The student wanted to take the basic coaster idea and expand on that further.

 

They used the coaster for the base and experimented with a very basic cistern in the background, which was essentially a rectangular prism.   The student then was intending to develop both this and the lid/coaster further by including additional details and physical features to extend this design further.

The PLA used to complete this print was 62g of PLA and this had a price point of $1.20 to complete the print.

Fathers Day 3D Printing: Steps 101

 

Challenge: To produce a 3D Print that celebrates a particular event (or day).

Background: This Sunday in New Zealand is the Fathers Day celebration.  We wanted to target this as a potential project for 3D Printing.  We had a specific timeframe in mind, a goal and wanted to include levels of challenges for the students involved.  As noted previously we used previous creations and designs on this blog as a starting point and physical examples from our example box (where we have prints over the last few years in a number of boxes as discussion points, as examples and ways that we can encourage the students to design and create).

The other considerations with the classroom at present - we have now 24 students in the classroom (we are as many of you will know a regular mainstream classroom although we are very fortunate to be an Apple Distinguished School with 1:1 iPads for every student from Y1-Y8.

We also have had a number of students recently join our classroom, which has been wonderful, these students have not had experience with Tinkercad before, or using the technology that our students have, so for some of them, as we would do with many curriculum activities we want to be able to scaffold more for them or provide opportunities for them to be successful at a different level as in the case of nearly all of them they are taking their very first CAD design steps.

Finally the decision to complete the prints for the class has also shaped the designs - we can comfortably run two printers at one time, and both machines (our H2D and P1P Bambu) are reliable to produce prints that would meet the purpose.

Resources Used to Complete this Print: iPad, Tinkercad App, Bambu P1P, Blue Bambu PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Low - this would be considered a basic introductory task completed independently with a student on the first attempt.   Typically when introducing test to a design the only checks required are below to ensure the font is not going through the back or at the top to ensure that the font is touching the base plate.

Size: The print measures 110mm across the base and is 70mm high.   The print base is 5mm and the lettering is an additional 5mm (for a total including font of 10mm).

Cost/Price: The print uses 25g of PLA to complete this has a price point of $0.44c.  There was no support rafting with this design.  Had it been any smaller the lettering would have been very jammed up so the dimensions and hence the amount of PLA was about correct for this project.

Timeframe: To complete this print printer was operating for 45 minutes from start to finish.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: The students now was a basic 101 task completed can move onto more challenging and difficult tasks.

3D Printed Coaster - Fathers Day 2026

 

This blog has been running for a number of years, as such while it probably could do with a system refit (ie a move to another support or hosting site and do away with blogger) but as a positive in this regard there are now projects, examples and work from the students dating back to 2015 - thats eleven years ago.

So when we might be look at a format or design idea that we've had students work on before we have the potential to talk with the students and go - have a look at this, how can we make this, how was this designed etc.    

This year we've decided to look at making something for students as a gift for a specific event in this Fathers Day in New Zealand (which is the first Sunday in September).   We decided that it would be realistic to produce something for the classroom if we had two printers available (Bambu H2D and Bambu P1P) running and students had a size limit on their print.   We wanted to ensure that everyone would be able to complete the print, including some of the new students that have joined our classroom recently, having not used Tinkercad before.   However we also wanted to make sure that we challenge students who might be able to complete more advanced projects.

We printed a template design (left) with two hearts on it.   We demonstrated to the students that the design essentially consisted of two interlinked circles, the outer layer and the inner layer with different layers.

It took forty minutes to print, was a basic design and allowed students to think about the base.  We were also able to push this template design out to students (via airdrop) for those who really struggled to start to put the design together.   Once this was completed obviously the next task was the personalisation for students - to consider a short message that could be sunk into the design, or extended out from the base of the design.

Then there was the issue of the extension task to complete this we turned to chatgpt.   The prompt that we used to complete the poster shown below was simply to make suggestions about the potential creation of a themed 3D Print using Tinkercad.   The design task was completed in under three minutes.

As with any questions when we've been using a resource such as this with our students it was - how easy could these suggestions be completed, and could we have already completed some of the examples.

You can see the suggestion for some of keyring or badge - designs and prints that we can comprehensively say the students have completed.

Phone stands are something that we've completed in the past.  This was one of our student businesses from our 2025 School Market Day.

It was more of a discussion point for our students rather than a solid starting point, and we didn't necessarily want an option search for ideas.

We also wanted to ensure that it would be realistic to complete the printing of twenty five designs within a two day period of time.

We will be posting material related to this project next week - we will be away from school for the week as we are managing a team of students at the 2026 NZAIMS Games sports tournament with our small rural school.   

Revising a Maze and Engineering Solutions

 

Sometimes despite our best efforts we end up printing designs that have apparently passed the 'design' test when there is a miscommunication or something slips through the net.

This maze shown left is one example of this 'fail' that we have been able to use as a teaching basic.   We thought that it was valuable to illustrate that sometimes things don't work out well.

The first teaching point is the start, to the left of the entrance.   The students have the letter coming out from the walls, instead of sinking it into the walls, which has meant it is considerably less robust lettering, which with a high use item tends to fall off over time, particularly with a font that sticks out as much as can be shown.    Secondly there is an error in the walls immediately to the right of this.   there is a division between the walls and there is a 5mm section of the wall seperate.

When the print is viewed from above another engineering issue was discovered by the students, which was very apparent with some basic testing.    The walls have a varying space between them which significantly limits the ability for a ball to roll in certain directions.    This means that while there looks to be several different routes to the exit on the far side it is in reality quite limited and accessing the 'hole' obstacle is challenging to say the least.    

There is an area of the maze that is top left that has a 'dead' area where the student cannot access the space.

The student who created this now has a physical copy of their design to compare it to their digital version and can clearly see the areas that need addressing to complete the maze as a workable print.

The final current issue of the print is the base of the entire structure.   This is 1mm thick, which is extremely floppy and applying pressure to this base by bending it would potentially break it.   The student has considered this since the print and had the great idea to use MDF off cuts from the school laser cutter as a base by applying a glue to the base of the maze.

All of these revisions have been discussed with the nine year old student who is confident and able to address them independently of the teacher in the classroom.    We also discussed being able to test these different dimensions in a practical way prior to anymore potential printing.

3D Printed Harold the Giraffe

 

Challenge: To create a unique, authentic model of a giraffe.

Background: The students have had a recent visit from the Life Education Trust who visit many schools across New Zealand during the school year.  The mascot for this is Harold the Giraffe.   After a recent visit to Auroa Primary School one of our students decided to use this as the opportunity to create an original.   Getting the dimensions right was always going to be a significant challenge, the students made the decision to look at examples that they might be able to copy off and collected information and details from online sources, including visuals.   

The students for design purposes for this task used Tinkercad.   This is the tool that the students of Auroa Primary School (Room Seven) and others use in conjunction with their iPads.  The students used the main building blocks from the design to shape the torso and legs, before starting to manipulate the design using more subtle and smaller features (the ears were a good example of this process).

The students were able to colour match their design as shown in the original screenshot (although as a single colour print this would need to be addressed) and either coloured or an attempt made to use a multi coloured print run by using the Bambu H2D.

The patches themselves at present need addressing - as they don't wrap around the design, instead sticking out, and there is ample parts of the print.

Resources used to complete this print: iPad, Tinkercad, Bambu H2D, Lime Green Bambu PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Medium/High: This challenge has a number of layers to it and creating the dimensions the scale, the details is a challenge.   This student has been consistently one of the students this year who has shown creativity and a unique perspective with their designs.   The student is extremely self motivated and is able to drive themselves to continue to improve and develop their designs.   They have already indicated that they are going to revise this design extensively to get it better.

Size: The print is currently 50mm across and is 110mm high.   The body of the animal is 50mm by 30mm by 30mm.   The legs are 30mm high.

Cost/Price: To complete this print the printer used 26g of PLA this has a price point of $0.54 for the print.

Timeframe: The print took one hour and fifty minutes to complete this print, on standard settings (a default infill of twenty per cent).

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: The design needs to be revised - the patches need to blend into the body (as they currently stick outwards).   The feet of the design and the base of the feet could be developed further.   While the student has created a form of expression with the facial details there are further adjustments that need to be made, to the shape and detailing in the face.

We are also pointing the students to the Flexi Giraffe that was a design from 2022 featured on this blog.   There was also a 2023 business for our school Market Day that featured giraffes you can click on the link to that post here.

The student who is responsible for this post is nine years old.