Geo Lab State Project

thingiverse

GeoLab3D project was inspired by the elementary school requirement to learn about the 50 states in the United States of America. This submission is part of the SF Makerbot Makeathon 2016, Students in the U.S. normally do a state project in 4th or 5th grade which typically includes researching various aspects of the state, including the state name, nickname, flower, tree, etc. GeoLab3D unites 21st Century digital design and creation elements to the traditional state project unit. After researching key historical and related elements, students will convert and import images, generate text, adding specific information and then manipulate at least three individual objects to create a unique 3D model. In addition to Social Science, this project integrates STEAM elements. To adapt this project for other grade levels elements, such as topographical detail, uniform scaling so that a larger map puzzle can be complied, other regions or countries of the world. This project is designed for universal compatibility and is fully Windows, OS X, Chromebook friendly. Additionally, modified versions will be possible in locations where students have access to tablets only. Besides a student workstation, completion of the project does not require any additional equipment other than a 3D printer and the filament. Print Settings Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer: MakerBot Replicator (5th Generation) Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Resolution: Medium Infill: 10% Notes: The use of rafts and supports will vary greatly depending on how the objects are designed. Please note that layered colors require monitoring during the print process. Schools without in-site 3D printing capabilities may consider outsourcing the prints or import the images into other 3D capable programs. How I Designed This You will need - 3D Printer and a students work stations capable of using Tinkercad or a similar 3D Design software. Since this project is designed for elementary school students, it is ideal for a first 3D printing project for any age. Students should find a image of the outline their state online and convert it to an .svg file using an online SVG converter. The .svg file can then be imported to Tinkercad and made it a 3D printable object. From there, the students can add the state nickname, a representative icon from that state or anything else that the student thinks would be representative of the state. The foot print of the state should not exceed 15X15 cm (or 225 sq cm) making this an practical use of the calculation of the area of the object and allows for a reasonable printing time for students during the school day. The height of the object should not exceed 10 cm. California with State Motto and Golden Bear in TinkerCad Geo Lab Project Overview Geo Lab 3D - Learning Objectives From this project, students will learn to identify the state shape and unique identifiers from their state. It will help reinforce knowledge a specific state as well as add new, technological tools for artistic expression. This project is intended for elementary students but can be adapted to all age groups. It makes an ideal first 3D printing project. In additional to social and physical science this project incorporates science, technology, math and art. The skills learned from this project are researching, importing and converting image files to 3D printable files, 3D modeling, project management, and artistic expression. This project can be completed in a few hours or over the course of a few weeks (in shorter lessons) depending on time available and the skill level of your students. Detail of Michigan with colors layered during print process