Core Skills Analysis
Math
- Will used spatial reasoning to see how rotating the object changes overhangs, linking geometry concepts of angles and orientation.
- He compared the original 50‑hour estimate to the new, shorter time, practicing proportional reasoning and unit conversion.
- By counting supports before and after, Will gathered quantitative data and calculated the percentage reduction, applying ratios in a real‑world context.
- The task required understanding volume and surface‑area relationships to predict material savings, reinforcing geometry measurement skills.
Science
- Will followed the engineering design process: defining the problem (excessive print time), researching alternatives, testing an orientation, and iterating the solution.
- He learned about the physics of 3D printing—how gravity, layer adhesion, and cooling dictate the need for support structures.
- The experiment highlighted material‑science concepts, showing how PLA filament behaves differently when printed from various angles.
- Will demonstrated systematic troubleshooting by recording observations and making data‑driven decisions, a core scientific inquiry practice.
Tips
To deepen Will's learning, have him calculate the exact filament weight saved by each orientation and translate that into cost savings; explore alternative slicer settings (layer height, infill density) and compare their impact on time and material; challenge him to redesign the same object in a parametric CAD program where dimensions can be adjusted mathematically, reinforcing algebraic thinking; finally, document the whole process in a multimedia journal (photos, time‑lapse videos, and a brief report) to practice scientific communication.
Book Recommendations
- 3D Printing Projects for Kids by Rachael Link: A hands‑on guide with simple projects that teach young makers the basics of design, geometry, and printing.
- The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay: An illustrated exploration of the physics behind everyday technology, including a section on additive manufacturing.
- Ada Lace, Take Me to Your Leader by Emily Calandrelli: A middle‑grade mystery where Ada uses engineering and math skills to solve a problem, inspiring STEM curiosity.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.1 – Solving real‑world problems involving volume and surface area when re‑orienting the model.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.G.A.1 – Understanding congruent shapes and rotations to see how the same object can be positioned differently.
- NGSS.MS-ETS1-1 – Defining a problem (excessive print time) and developing possible solutions.
- NGSS.MS-ETS1-2 – Evaluating design alternatives based on criteria such as support material and print time.
Try This Next
- Create a worksheet where Will records original vs. new print times for three different orientations and calculates percent reduction.
- Design a mini‑challenge: sketch three support‑free orientations, predict which uses the least filament, then test the predictions in slicer software.