Week 9

Assignments

• [ ] Task 1: You would need to fabricate a 3D object with a 3D printer. The 3D object should provide some support for your class or some of your teaching lessons.
• [ ] Task 2:3D print the object. You should do the slicing and set up the printer on your own with the support of your instructor.

Process

I’m planning to make a phone stand and designed the graphics myself. I initially registered on Tinkercad and began creating the design. Subsequently, I exported the final model to the 3D printing software. Additionally, I installed the corresponding app on my mobile device to link it with the printer. This marked my third experience with 3D printing in the curriculum. A notable shift from previous sessions is that I now aim to utilize the printed molds to address practical issues in daily life. Whether adapting the built-in templates or creating original designs, witnessing a concept transform into a functional product is a profound experience. It truly demonstrates how digital manufacturing is impacting my lifestyle.I also ran into some problems. I wasn’t used to Tinkercad, and I didn’t really know the right proportions. I had to play around with a lot of the tools to figure out how to draw what I wanted.

Reflection

Are you planning to use the fabricated object in your classroom? If so, how?

Yes, I plan to use the fabricated object (a 3D-printed adjustable phone stand) in my 7th-grade technology and engineering classroom. First, I will use it as a demo to introduce basic structural design principles—such as stability, load-bearing capacity, and ergonomics—helping students connect abstract engineering concepts to a daily-use item. Then, I will organize a hands-on activity: students will examine the stand’s structure (e.g., triangular support, adjustable angle mechanism), discuss its advantages and room for improvement, and then modify the design based on their needs (e.g., adding a charging port cutout, adjusting height for tablet compatibility). The finished 3D-printed stands will also be used as classroom tools—placed on desks for video lessons or group presentation recordings, making the learning outcome practical. Think on a learning activity involving 3D printing. How could it be aligned with your curriculum / standard? What are the challenges?

Learning Activity: 3D-Printed Custom Phone Stand Design Challenge Students will design, model, and 3D-print a custom phone stand that meets specific requirements (e.g., supports a 6.7-inch phone stably, has an adjustable angle of 30-60 degrees, and fits a wireless charging pad). They will test and iterate on their designs based on functionality.

Curriculum Alignment: This activity aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) MS-ETS1-4 (Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved). It also integrates technology literacy (3D modeling software operation) and engineering design thinking, guiding students through the full cycle of “design-test-iterate”—a core objective of middle school technology curricula.

Challenges: Design accuracy: Students may struggle to balance aesthetics and functionality (e.g., the stand is too lightweight to support the phone, or the angle adjustment is not smooth), requiring repeated tweaks to 3D models. Software proficiency: Some students lack experience with 3D modeling tools (e.g., Tinkercad), needing targeted guidance to draw precise dimensions and mechanisms. Printing constraints: 3D printers may have layer adhesion issues or size limitations, leading to failed prints and requiring students to adjust design parameters (e.g., wall thickness). Time management: Iterative design and reprinting take time, making it hard to complete the activity within scheduled class periods.

Tools

-https://www.tinkercad.com/ - Bambu Studio - Bambu Handy