Session 6: “Feedback and Iteration”
Architect:
Syed Shayaan Haider - Markhor3D
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, Grade 4 students will:
- Test Functional Objects: Evaluate the functionality of their 3D printed designs to ensure they work as intended.
- Provide and Receive Feedback: Engage in constructive discussions about the strengths and areas for improvement in their designs.
- Iterate on Designs: Use feedback to make informed adjustments and enhancements to their models in TinkerCad.
- Enhance Critical Thinking: Develop problem-solving skills by identifying design issues and implementing effective solutions.
- Improve Design Skills: Refine their ability to create more effective and efficient functional objects through iterative design processes.
Teaching Aids
Visual Aids:
- Printed Functional Objects: Each student’s printed design.
- Example Feedback Forms: Templates for students to record feedback on their own and peers’ designs.
- Screenshots or Slides: Illustrations showing how to make adjustments in TinkerCad based on feedback.
- Demonstration Videos: Short clips demonstrating the iteration process in TinkerCad.
Required Equipment:
- 3D Printed Objects: All students should have their printed functional objects ready for testing.
- Computers or Tablets: One per student or pair, with TinkerCad logged in and their designs open.
- Interactive Whiteboard or Projector: For demonstrating feedback techniques and showcasing example iterations.
- Notebooks and Pens: For students to take notes during feedback sessions.
- Assistants or Volunteers: Additional adults to help guide students during the session.
Structure and Lesson Plan (Total Time: 60 minutes)
1. Introduction and Recap (5 minutes)
- Greet the Students:
- “Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to take a critical step in our design process: testing and improving our functional objects.”
- Recap Previous Sessions:
- “Last time, you finalized your designs and saw them being printed. How did your prints turn out?”
- Introduce Today’s Goals:
- “Today, you’ll test your printed objects, discuss what works well and what could be better, and then return to TinkerCad to make improvements based on your feedback.”
2. Testing Functional Objects (15 minutes)
- Distribute Printed Objects:
- Ensure each student or pair has their printed functional object in hand.
- Guided Testing:
- “Take a few minutes to use your object. Does it function the way you intended?”
- Observation Points:
- Functionality: Does the object perform its intended purpose effectively?
- Durability: Are there any weak points or areas that seem fragile?
- Aesthetics: How does the object look? Are there any design elements you’d like to change?
- Encourage Note-Taking:
- “Write down any issues you notice and any ideas you have for improving your design.”
3. Providing and Receiving Feedback (10 minutes)
- Explain the Importance of Feedback:
- “Feedback helps us understand what’s working and what needs improvement. It’s a crucial part of the design process.”
- Demonstrate Constructive Feedback:
- Example:
- “If a desk organizer has compartments that are too small, you might say, ‘The compartments are a bit tight for my pens. Maybe we can make them a little larger.’”
- Example:
- Pair Sharing:
- “Pair up with your partner and share your observations. Provide each other with constructive feedback.”
- Use Feedback Forms:
- Distribute example feedback forms to guide the discussions.
- “Use these forms to help structure your feedback. Be specific about what works and what could be improved.”
4. Iterating on Designs in TinkerCad (25 minutes)
- Transition to Digital Design:
- “Now that you’ve gathered feedback, it’s time to make improvements to your designs in TinkerCad.”
- Guided Iteration:
- Step 1: Review Feedback
- “Look at the notes you and your partner took. Decide which changes you want to implement.”
- Step 2: Make Adjustments
- Example Adjustments:
- Desk Organizer: Increase the size of compartments.
- Bookmark: Strengthen the clip area.
- Keychain: Add decorative elements or ensure the hole is centered perfectly.
- Mechanical Part (e.g., wheel assembly): Ensure axles are properly aligned and wheels rotate smoothly.
- Example Adjustments:
- Step 3: Use Advanced Tools
- “Utilize alignment and grouping tools to ensure your adjustments are precise.”
- “Combine shapes as needed to enhance functionality and aesthetics.”
- Step 1: Review Feedback
- Teacher and Assistant Support:
- Circulate the room to provide individualized assistance.
- “If you’re having trouble aligning parts, try using the align tool to center them accurately.”
- “Remember to group your shapes once they’re properly positioned to keep your design organized.”
- Encourage Creativity and Problem-Solving:
- “Think about how each change will improve the functionality of your object. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and configurations.”
5. Sharing Improvements and Final Feedback (5 minutes)
- Invite Students to Share:
- “Would anyone like to share the changes they made and how it improved their design?”
- Provide Positive Feedback:
- “Great job enlarging the compartments on your desk organizer! It looks much more functional now.”
- “I love how you strengthened the clip on your bookmark—it makes it much sturdier.”
- Encourage Peer Feedback:
- “Listen to your classmates’ improvements and think about how you might apply similar changes to your own designs.”
6. Conclusion and Next Steps (5 minutes)
- Summarize the Session:
- “Today, you tested your functional objects, provided and received valuable feedback, and made important improvements to your designs.”
- Preview Next Session:
- “In our next class, we’ll prepare your finalized designs in Cura and get ready to print them. Get excited to see your enhanced creations come to life!”
- Closing Encouragement:
- “Keep thinking about how you can continue to improve your designs and solve everyday problems with your creativity!”
Glossary
- Feedback: Information and opinions about how well something is working, used as a basis for improvement.
- Iteration: The process of making repeated adjustments to a design to improve it.
- Functionality: The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well.
- Durability: The ability of an object to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
- Aesthetics: The principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty in design.
- Alignment: Positioning shapes accurately relative to each other to ensure proper functionality and aesthetics.
- Grouping: Combining multiple shapes into a single, unified model to simplify manipulation and design.
- Overhang: Parts of a model that extend outward without support, which may require additional material to avoid collapse during printing.
- Wall Thickness: The thickness of the outer walls of a 3D printed object, affecting its strength and durability.
- 3D Modeling: The process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object using software like TinkerCad.
For suggestions, improvements, and corrections, feel free to reach out at shayaanhaider@gmail.com