Summary

During December, our school performs acts of kindness. Students in my class had to work in small groups to choose someone in our community to whom they'd like to give a 3d printed object. One group chose a cafeteria worker, Elise. They decided they wanted to make her a 3d printed nametag. I taught them how to use Google SketchUp and together we designed her nametag. This took about 45 minutes.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

MakerBot

                                            <p class="detail-setting printer"><strong>Printer: </strong>                     <div><p>MakerBot Replicator 2</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting rafts"><strong>Rafts: </strong>                     <div><p>Yes</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting supports"><strong>Supports: </strong>                     <div><p>No</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting resolution"><strong>Resolution: </strong>                     <div><p>Standard</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting infill"><strong>Infill: </strong>                     <div><p>10%</p></div></p>                                                        <br>                        <p class="detail-setting notes"><strong>Notes: </strong>                    </p><div><p>None</p></div>

How I Designed This

Using Google Sketchup

            <div><p>We used the 3d text tool in SketchUp to type the name, the arc and circle tools to create the flowers, and the rectangle tool to create the frame.</p></div>

Objectives

Objectives

            <div><p>Students are expected to learn:</p><ol><li>How to create 3d text in Google SketchUp</li><li>How to work collaboratively on a project</li><li>How to draw circles, arcs and rectangles in Google SketchUp</li></ol></div>

Audiences

Audiences

            <div><p>This project was completed by middle school students in 7th and 8th grade, between ages 11 and 14.</p><p>Skills levels include intermediate computer use skills and beginner Google SketchUp skills.</p></div>

Preparation

Preparation

            <div><p>Students should already be familiar with how a mouse works, how to open and close programs, how to manipulate specific tools, etc. It's important to spend time teaching them how to navigate in Google Sketchup, as well as the basic functions of circles, arcs, rectangle/circle tools, the push/pull tool, and the 3d text tool. </p><p>Necessary technology includes a computer, mouse, monitor, Google SketchUp software, and a 3d printer.</p><p>Of interest might be the tutorials I've attached to this project. I named them with the "do not save" prefix as instructions for students, who often will complete them and then save them. When the next student opens that tutorial then it's already done, so using those words tends to help. </p></div>

Step by step instructions

Step by step instructions

            <div><p>Begin with a demonstration of Google SketchUp. Be sure to include how to navigate (often students get lost and can't find their way back to their objects).</p><p>Next, explain how to draw rectangles and circles.</p><p>In addition, show them how to use the push/pull and arc tools.</p><p>Lastly, show them how to create 3d text with the 3d text tool. </p><p>You might also consider having students complete the attached SketchUp tutorial files. </p><p>As they're working on creating their nametags, circle throughout the room to troubleshoot problems. </p></div>

Results

Results

            <div><p>Students ended up designing a lovely nametag. They brought in a safety pin and used superglue to attach it to the name tag.</p><p>For grading, I didn't use a rubric. This was a learning assignment so I gave it a completion grade. When it was finished correctly, they all received credit for the assignment. There were many errors and corrections along the way, and that makes for good learning. </p></div>

Custom Name Tag for Kindness Month

Custom Name Tag for Kindness Month

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