Meta-Modular Engineering Challenge

thingiverse

This is a project guide for a middle school or high school computer skills class. The project involves designing and building a sign using 3D printed nodes and dowels. Here's a breakdown of the steps: **Phase 1: Introduction and Node Design** * Introduce the challenge and design criteria * Use Google Slides to provide inspirations, layout design, and constraints * Have students choose one node to work on and use protractors to measure angles (if necessary) * Have students follow a design process to complete a node * Choose another node to work on (optional) * Divide labor by assigning different nodes to different students **Phase 1.5: Gathering Materials** * Gather materials needed for assembly, including 3D prints and dowels * Calculate total length of dowel needed * Have students visualize the sign in Tinkercad to help with node design **Phase 2: Scale and Proportion, Measuring, Cutting, Beginning Assembly** * Review remaining design criteria and constraints * Measure and label length of each edge of each letter * Discuss how to fit the sign in a display location (ledge) * Begin cutting dowels * Assemble letters The project requires basic computer skills, measuring lines and angles, and understanding scale and proportion. Students will work in groups to design and build a sign using 3D printed nodes and dowels. Some notes from the author: * The project is designed for students with limited experience with 3D printing. * The author has provided resources and tutorials for the project. * The project can be adapted to different skill levels and age groups.