Core Skills Analysis
Math
- Will applied coordinate geometry by positioning and aligning objects within the CAD workspace, reinforcing concepts of the x‑, y‑, and z‑axes.
- He calculated scale factors to resize designs, practicing ratios and proportional reasoning (e.g., converting a 1:10 model to a 1:1 printable size).
- Will measured dimensions, surface area, and volume of 3D models, linking real‑world geometry to formulas for prisms and cylinders.
- He used spatial reasoning to visualize cross‑sections and develop accurate measurements for tolerances, supporting geometric visualization skills.
Science
- Will followed the engineering design process—defining a problem, brainstorming, prototyping in CAD, testing via 3D printing, and iterating—demonstrating systematic scientific inquiry.
- He explored material properties by selecting filament types (PLA vs. ABS) and considering strength, flexibility, and melting points.
- Will examined the physics of additive manufacturing, including layer deposition, cooling rates, and how heat affects dimensional accuracy.
- He documented observations of print failures (warping, stringing) and hypothesized causes, practicing data collection and analysis.
Tips
To deepen Will's mastery, have him design a functional object (like a phone stand) that must meet specific load‑bearing criteria, then test its strength with household weights. Pair the CAD work with a unit‑conversion scavenger hunt where he converts model dimensions into different measurement systems. Invite Will to create a short video walkthrough of his design process, narrating each engineering step and the math calculations involved. Finally, organize a mini‑exhibit where he explains the environmental impact of various printing materials, encouraging research and presentation skills.
Book Recommendations
- The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay: A visually rich guide to the mechanics behind everyday devices, helping students link engineering concepts to real‑world technology.
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer: The true story of a teenager who built a windmill from scrap, inspiring young makers to apply science and math to solve problems.
- The Maker's Manual: A Practical Guide to the New Industrial Revolution by Paulo Blikstein: An accessible handbook that introduces digital fabrication tools, including CAD and 3D printing, with project ideas for middle‑school learners.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.5 – Apply formulas for surface area and volume of prisms and cylinders.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.G.B.6 – Use coordinate geometry to model transformations and rotations in three dimensions.
- NGSS.MS-ETS1-1 – Define the problem for a new or improved device or process.
- NGSS.MS-ETS1-2 – Develop and test a solution, considering constraints and trade‑offs.
- NGSS.MS-ETS1-3 – Analyze data from tests to refine the design.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Convert model dimensions between metric and imperial units, then calculate volume and surface area for a chosen design.
- Quiz: Match common 3D‑printing filament properties (PLA, ABS, PETG) with their ideal applications and temperature settings.