My students are embarking on a new project in STEM education including prototyping and designing. The ability to create products and to see that product in action is increasingly important. These students are 6th graders in a suburban school in northern Utah. They have some experience in coding, but their skills have been limited by access to the necessary equipment.
I have one student in my class who is in a foster home.
He and his four siblings are in the process of being adopted by his foster parents. Another student has, until now, had severe attendance problems. I have developed a great relationship with her and she hasn't missed any days in the last month and half. She lacks confidence in her ability to achieve, and after a few successes is gaining a new belief in herself. Most of the students are just hungry for a way to apply their STEM skills. Most of these students will be heading to college, much as their parents did.
My Project
As my students move into the technologically advanced world that awaits them, they will need problem solving skills that push them to think in new ways. It will be important for them to take their ideas and make them reality. Up until now, students have had to create their art projects using methods that may be hundreds or even thousands of years old.
Earlier this year we hand built clay pots in the same way that the ancient Fremont culture of Utah did.
However, modern techniques and technology could allow them to make similar products that belong in the modern world. Students will learn to create 3D models on the computer and then turn them into real products. They will only be limited by their creativity and not the materials available to them. This project will give them access to the same process and technology that modern engineers and designers use in the work.
My project's goal is for the students to first learn about 3D software and modeling objects in three dimensions and on three axes. This initial goal dovetails nicely with our studies in mathematics about volume and surface area. We will later add calculations including mass because the cost of 3D printed objects is determined by the mass of the printed object. Once students have mastered the basics of the software, we then will move to solving real-world issues they encounter by designing products to meet actual needs. I foresee that they may be able to design products that help them with issues like keeping track of their materials, protecting their electronic devices, or solving problems they encounter at home. We will review the designs prior to printing to assess functionality, cost, and the success of the design. Communication and teamwork will be essential.
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