The following pics are of creations that students made using our new Makerbot 3D printer. Mrs. Lackey, our librarian, guided a small “pilot” group of 5th graders through the City X curriculum. In this curriculum, a story is weaved about a fictional city on another planet that has problems that need to be solved. The students go through the design process to generate ideas, making prototypes, and printing their creations on the 3D printer.
The first student chose to help develop a new sport that could be played. He designed, printed, and painted a stadium where “Foolsball” could be played.
In the second example, the student was tasked with developing a way for the city’s animals to stay healthy and receive medical attention if needed. He created a collar that dogs could wear that would monitor the dogs vitals and dispense medicine when needed.
The third student genetically engineered a new animal that has the characteristics of several Earth species. The animal will help to protect the city with its many combined strengths.
Mrs. Lackey and I have been so impressed with the quality of this free curriculum that we plan to expand the program to many more students next school year.
To learn more about 3D Printing in Elementary School, check out this post I recently wrote for Free Tech for Teachers.