The first day of 3D Club went well. Hover over "3D" and click on the "Winter 2017 3D Club" tab for weekly updates. We spent some time talking about what 3D design is and where it is headed. The students got to work on the laptops and try out the design software. We started with the basics and the kids seemed to do well. They were interested and I think they might be asking you about getting the software to use at home. Don't worry... the software is FREE!!! Click here for the link to download... 123D Design.
- Printing will be done in school, but will need to be reasonable. This has more to do with size (I can adjust that) and a little about content.
- Software was literally tens of thousands of dollars 5 or 6 years ago. Now you can get some for free.
- Speaking of free... we will be using 123D Design. It is what the middle schools and high schools use.
- Download here... http://www.123dapp.com/design
- The software can run on Mac, PC or iPad (this one will probably hard, because there is no mouse).
- The program crunches enormous amounts of numbers to make the application easier to use. That means that sometimes it freezes. SAVE OFTEN!!!
- Here is what I have designed... this is after about 30-40 hours of playing around with the software...
3D Printers
The way I see it... printing is just a bonus. Your kids can design for the challenge of design. We have a MakerBot 5th Generation 3D printer. It is good, but expensive. 3D printers range in price, so I would suggest you do a lot of research before going out and buying one. Your kids will be able to print in my room, which is also a reason not to run out and buy one just yet.
3D printing has been around for a few decades, but only recently is making its way into schools and homes. Early tech people didn't buy a personal computer... they went to Radio Shack, bought parts and built a computer. 3D printers are in a similar place. For a fraction of the cost, you can build a 3D printer (depends on your confidence and skill level). All the parts needed are available on line and assemble is probably not the easiest. I haven't built one, but I think this might be a summer project. Take a look at some of these machines... the first one is made from Legos and the others are also "home made"...
3D printing has been around for a few decades, but only recently is making its way into schools and homes. Early tech people didn't buy a personal computer... they went to Radio Shack, bought parts and built a computer. 3D printers are in a similar place. For a fraction of the cost, you can build a 3D printer (depends on your confidence and skill level). All the parts needed are available on line and assemble is probably not the easiest. I haven't built one, but I think this might be a summer project. Take a look at some of these machines... the first one is made from Legos and the others are also "home made"...
