Meta-Modular Engineering Challenge

This is a skill building lesson where students are tasked with engineering simple 3d modular nodes designed to accommodate ¼” wooden dowels in a way that allows for the creation of a larger 3d structure. It is a great introduction to 3d printing and requires little to no previous 3d modeling experience

I call this lesson “Meta-Modular” because like the modular nodes and the 3d structure, the lesson itself is designed to be shared, modified, and customized. This project could be scaled in terms of size and complexity to fulfill various learning objectives across a range of grade levels and disciplines. In this version, we are creating a 3d sign, based off of a model font, for the school’s Science Night on March 3rd. I have narrowly defined the design criteria and constraints and I have provided substantial scaffolding to ensure successful project completion by a small group of 7-8th graders within a limited timeframe. My students will be encouraged to apply the basic skills and techn