Welcome - This blog is still in the making!

Welcome! We are 60 students at an Upper Secondary School called Vågen videregående skole in the south-west of Norway. This blog is made by us. It will show you how to use 3D technology as a tool in a design process.
The project took place in March 2017 in a subject called Design and Architecture 1.
For those who are interested you´ll find the lesson plans on the second page of this blog. The text is mostly in English and some Norwegian.

Please do not hesitate to leave a comment if you get inspired by our work.

Introduction of 3D-software

We began by watching introduction videos in order to get a basic knowledge of the different tools The students were divided into groups, working together and helping each other.                         

Use of software

We used Tinkercad to start with, and later, those who wanted to, could explore Autodesk Fusion 360. Both are nett based and a download is necessary. First, they made a student account: Go to tinkercad.com – and then “Sign in”, filled in required information and remembering to cross off for Free account.

Another interesting programme is Sculptris which is more loosely based on construction, but rather more organic. Try this after you have tested Tinkercad. This may be downloaded from the following website: http://pixologic.com/sculptris/

Another useful programme is SketchUp for 3D-printing. The programme is nett based and can be found here: https://www.sketchup.com

The finished digital product can be prepared for printing in the slicer programme Cura. It can be downloaded from this website: https://ultimaker.com/en/products/cura-software          

Use of Hardware:

The 3D-printer at our school is Ultimaker 2 Extended +.                                                                              

Task

Design a mechanically moveable toy

Design an individual toy in a frame which moves with the help of rotation.

Main aim: What is the toy to be used for? Is it supposed to be a decorative object, a demonstration model for scientific research, a collector’s item, a teaching aid in science class, tell a story when it is assembled, illustrate a fairy story or be four variations of the same thing? The main aim is inextricably linked to the theme of “play”.

Theme: The design team must have a common theme which must be discussed and approved by the teachers. The point of departure should be a historical event, a song, a story or a fairy tale.

Target group: Is decided by the design team and this must be adapted to suit all.

Materials: at least some of the toy has to be made using one of the 3D-programmes and printed on a 3D-printer, either at the school or at Vitenfabrikkens Makerspace (Wednesdays between 5.00 – 7.30 pm), and a couple of other times (see timetable). The design bureau can choose whether this should be done individually or together. You may choose to use a piece made by the group or individually.

The framework is to be made of wood. Some metal must also be used, otherwise materials can be chosen freely.

Colours: The design team decides which of the group members’ palettes should be used by all. You can also mix in black and white, and use the original colours of the materials used.
Size: Adjusted frame, proposed dimensions 15x15 cm = 60 cm plank for all.

You will find detailed a lesson plan here.

Results

Each design team show its members final result in a separate page. The pages are placed under the header of this blog.
All the films of the moving mechanical toys are uploaded to our YouTube channel. Here are some examples.

Emil: Griffin

Lars: Basket ball player

     Oline: Werewolf



- And lots of more. Please have a look at all students videos.