Overview and Background

This project is a collaboration between our freshmen Theology classes and our Maker Lab 3D design/3D printing instruction. The project idea stemmed from one of the Theology teachers wanting to incorporate 3D design into his curriculum and make use of our library makerspace.

Students come into the MCHS Maker Lab to receive basic instruction on the application Tinkercad and certification in using our MakerBot Replicator 5th generation printers. They then have to decide on a design that not only incorporates Holy Cross themes, but also connects to their experience as freshmen at our school.

Lesson Plan and Activity

Theology Class Instructions

Pick a object that you can relate to that can be connected to Holy Cross.
Make connections on how this object is both you and Holy Cross.
This is where I would like to see meaningful connections. How are your beliefs and personal representation through an icon/image personally connected to Holy Cross? How are you connected to Holy Cross?
Design the object to be printed on the 3D printer (See 3D Printer Certification and Tinkercad Instruction below)
A. Check with the Librarians when you are allowed to print
Have 3D object ready to present for prayer round 4.
A. You will present your 3D object as part of you prayer.
B. Explain what your image is and how you connected your personal self to Holy Cross
Place your Icon on the prayer table to add to the collection

3D Printer Certification

We go through the following process with students:
In order to use the MakerBot you will need to do the following on your own:

Download the MakerBot software from the website.
Download this file as your test print.

AFTER you finish the first two steps, do the following to use the MakerBot Print app:
1.Open the MakerBot Print application

Click on Project Panel on the top left and select "Add Models".
Then select the classic_button.stl you previously downloaded.
You can then minimize the Project Panel by clicking on it again.
Select the button and drag it away from the center of the bed.
Choose the gear icon on the right side and make sure "Smart Extruder+" is selected and chose "MinFill" as the Print Mode
Select the clock icon on the top right in order to preview and get estimated print times.
In Print Preview, you can view an animation of the print, see how much material it will use, and the time it will take to print.
Select the red "Export" button at the bottom right, select your desktop as the location for the button file and CHANGE THE FILENAME TO YOUR NAME.

Tinkercad Instruction

After certification, students are asked to go to the 3D Design LibGuide located here. Once there, they need to go to Tinkercad and sign up for an account.
We then walk them through basic instruction on how to use Tinkercad (https://youtu.be/-9daIzs1i7w) and let them get started on their designs.
We encourage students to consider how they design their objects because the supports can be quite messy

Materials Needed

Laptop
MakerBot Print app
Tinkercad account
3D printer/filament

Skills Learned

MakerBot Print
3D design

Duration of Lesson

80 minutes

Preparation

Have samples to show for explaining supports, rafts, and length of print time

Verify MakerBot Replicator Print is installed on all computers, otherwise refer to MakerBot Desktop download from site

Work with Theology teacher to create a schedule for printing all projects - students are expected to treat their scheduled time like a assignment due date

References

3D Design LibGuide - http://moreaucatholic.libguides.com/c.php?g=426721&p=2913214
Getting Started with the MakerBot Replicator - https://sites.google.com/moreaucatholic.org/mchsmakerlab/get-started/makerbot-replicator

Holy Cross Icon Project