Summary

In this quick project, students will serve as architects working to design new buildings for a client (you!). To ensure the client is satisfied with the buildings, students must make sure that their buildings satisfy the Critical Design Requirements given a set amount of materials and time.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

MakerBot

Printer:

MakerBot Replicator (5th Generation)

Rafts:

Yes

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0.2mm

Infill:

10%

How I Designed This

The 3D printed parts were designed in Tinkercad. There are 6 pre-made designs included in the Thing Files.
As an extension activity, prompt students to design their own connector pieces to improve their design. See instructions at the end of the lesson.

Speedy Architect Project

Objectives

Students should walk away with knowledge of:

Working to satisfy design requirements
Working with tight time constraints
Importance of teamwork

Audience

This activity can be used for a wide range of grade levels, anywhere from 6th grade through 12th grade. I used this project as an “ice breaker” on the 2nd day of class for my 8th grade Physical Science course.

Subjects

Science
Engineering

Skills Learned (Standards)

MS-ETS1-1 - http://www.nextgenscience.org/dci-arrangement/ms-ets1-engineering-design

"Students who demonstrate understanding can define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions."

MS-ETS1-2 - http://www.nextgenscience.org/dci-arrangement/ms-ets1-engineering-design

"Students who demonstrate understanding can evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem"

Extension Activity: MS-ETS1-3 - http://www.nextgenscience.org/dci-arrangement/ms-ets1-engineering-design

"Students who demonstrate understanding can analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success."

Duration

1-2 class periods (3-4 if you want to include the extension activity)

Materials

To prepare for this lesson you will need the following supplies:

Drinking straws (50 per group) - these work great, but are individually wrapped :/
Scissors (1 per group)
Ruler (1 per group)
3D printed connector pieces (20 - 30 of each type per group) - in Thing Files
- PRO TIP: If possible, print each connector piece in it's own color
- Print extras of the Corner Connector file, it’s usually the most popular

Designing a Custom 3D Printed Connector in Tinkercad

Rubric and Assessment:

Rubric - If you want to run this as a graded activity, the grading rubric is attached in the Thing Files.
Reflection Questions - (also included in Student Handout in the Thing Files)
Submit a TYPED reflection on the building and design of your tower design. This paper should be 8-10 sentences (or more) and should include the following information:
- A description of your final designs
- Your initial design/plan
- How did this initial design change as you built your structures?
- Did you ever start over?
- The final height of your Building 1? How much weight could your Building 2 hold?
- What was the hardest part of building your structures?
- Anything else you learned while building?
- The title of your paper should include the name of your design

Handouts & Assets:

Included in the Thing Files:

Student Handout
- Prompt
- Rules
- Homework assignment
Building Design Requirements Sheet
Grading Rubric