Resources for Potential 3D Printing Part Two

As we are preparing to start the 2026 School year later this month we are continuing to look for objects that the students might be able to use in conjunction with 3D Printing and/or AR/VR modelling and creation using iPads + Tinkercad.

Recently we posted about the farm building that we are going to be working on and we have also discovered a range of backgrounds in a department store clearance.

We've another object adding to the group - as we recently purchased from a second hand thrift shop a 'BoomTrix' Kinnetic Launch (as pictured).

The set was broken when it was purchased as several of the stands were missing - and this is what attracted it to being purchased.   As we have a set of objects which are engaging and can promote problem solving the hands on aspect of the design will work potentially like the Dolls House project from 2025.

Currently contained in the set is the taller tower, the bounce pads and the target finish line.   The tallest tower is 270mm high and 200mm wide at the base, but could do with a clearer launch ramp.

Each of the current mini trampolines are 90mm across, there were some cardboard targets and jump options (like a cardboard hoop) that have broken in the process of the use - however these are ideal for a 3D Print based on their size and design.   

We also have the benefit of the packaging of the product which clearly shows the ball passing through a target and the message should be clearly able to give ideas for the students to create.   The use of Tinkercad will allow the students the ability to AR/VR the designs and put it in place with the rest of the objects, which are intended to work in sequence.   Tinkercad also has ability to motion test objects which we could use to simulate the ball bearing dropping before we move towards 3D Printing of the potential additions to the set.

Using Resources to Combine with AR/VR

 

3D Printing and Technology design has been an engaging and successful tool to use with the students.    As we been evolving projects and ideas we are always looking for items that would work in conjunction with the technology.  An obvious example from 2025 was the Dolls House Project which combined a physical object with a strong virtual component.  Another was the 'eyes' which became the 'cyclops' challenge which led to the creation of an original storage project.

Some of the items located to use like this has come from 'bargain shops' or second hand shops - like the toy farm that is being used for 'AR/VR project work in 2026.

Just this week, in the holidays in New Zealand at a large franchise store we located another item from the 'clearance' section that should prove very useful with the students this year.   We found two large backdrops.   These backdrops are themed 'Island' with a tropical volcano scene and 'Construction'.   The scale of the these backdrops are large - they measure 1.8m high and are 2/5m wide.  As a backdrop the intention is to put them on a classroom wall and then have the students create something to be placed in front of the backdrop and AR/VR it into place using the students iPad and the Tinkercad app.    The price to purchase both backdrops (it was clearance) was $2.00 each.