Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
His first thing was a model of a tiny iPad. He showed his part to his class-
mates, and this stirred up interest in more of them making their designs.
Brandyn came after several times to work on his own work and during
class he was able to help out his classmates as they made their things.
By having one of their fellow students bring them through the process
of preparing a file and replicating it, they developed a community of
learners around creating original objects with the desktop 3D printer.
Soon, several people a period were using the desktop 3D printer. It be-
came evident that one person at a time could actively replicate, and one
or two people could benefit from watching the process of setting up and
replicating. In class, having a focus on a short build and a rapid turn-
around is pretty important.
By creating a personally sized custom designed thing, students are able
to bring it with them outside of class. They have had an experience that
is unique in their life, designing something on the computer that then
gets manufactured in front of their eyes, and they peel it off the build
platform. While it's still hot in their hands, they can imagine what else
they can make. They slip it into their pocket, and take it out later to look
at it. They show it to their friends and family members. They explain
some of what they've done, and they can prove that it's more than sci-
ence fiction because they can slide their custom designed object across
the table to show what they mean, that they have created something
that other people have always bought in a store after is was manufac-
tured on the other side of the world. They have proof that their magic is
real.
Maintenance—Matt and the repair of the cupcakes
Matt is a high school Senior. He's planning to go on for training in com-
puter repair. When one of the classroom MakerBots went on the fritz, I
announced to the class that I would be happy to have any after school
help to bring them back up to speed.
Matt came after school and helped me tackle several of the problems
afflicting the bots. As it turned out, needed of a plastruder upgrade.
Through this experience, Matt gained a much deeper understanding of
the mechanical and electrical systems of the bot. He was able to use the
machine with a greater knowledge of how it worked, and was able to help
his classmates get their things printed quickly and consistently. He also
gained expertise in repairing desktop 3D printers, a skill that most of the
people he will be training and working with after high school won't have.
He also liked the idea that he was more knowledgeable in desktop 3D
printer repair than nearly everybody in his region of the state.
