Learning Objectives:
- Engage in creative brainstorming and idea generation.
- Utilize advanced OnShape techniques for complex modeling.
- Understand the importance of prototyping and iterative design.
- Learn basic 3D printer maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate on team projects to design and create innovative models.
Overview of the Course:
- Creative Ideation and Advanced Modeling:
- Students draw inspiration from innovative designs, brainstorm ideas, and bring them to life using advanced OnShape techniques.
- Prototyping and Hands-On Crafting:
- They print prototypes, learn basic printer maintenance, and enhance their models with hands-on crafting, blending digital and physical creation.
- Collaborative Design Challenge and Showcase:
- Teams work on collaborative projects, refining designs through iteration, and present their innovations in a final showcase.
Session 1: “Design Inspirations and Creative Brainstorming”
Description:
Students explore innovative designs across various fields—architecture, product design, technology—to inspire their own ideas. They discuss what makes these designs successful and how they solve real-world problems. Engaging in creative brainstorming exercises, students generate unique concepts, sketch their ideas, and share them with peers for feedback.
Session 2: “Advanced OnShape Techniques: Bringing Ideas to Life”
Description:
Students delve into advanced features of OnShape. They begin transforming their sketched ideas into detailed 3D digital models, learning complex sketching, constraints, and feature patterns. This session emphasizes turning creative concepts into precise digital designs.
Session 3: “Prototyping: First Iteration Prints”
Description:
Students prepare their initial models for 3D printing. They focus on optimizing designs for printability, considering factors like support structures and layer height. Students print prototypes of their projects to evaluate form and basic function, maintaining engagement through hands-on activity.
Session 4: “Understanding 3D Printing: Maintenance and Troubleshooting”
Description:
Students learn about common 3D printing issues such as bed adhesion, cooling, and print speed. The teacher demonstrates basic machine maintenance, including how to insert filament and troubleshoot simple problems. Using glue guns, students simulate the extrusion process to understand how the printer deposits material layer by layer.
Session 5: “Hands-On Crafting: Enhancing Prototypes”
Description:
Students use crafting materials—like cardboard, foam, and the glue guns from the previous session—to enhance and modify their prototypes. This blending of digital fabrication with hands-on craftsmanship helps them understand the practical aspects of bringing a design to life and encourages creative problem-solving.
Session 6: “Team Project Kickoff: Collaborative Design Challenge”
Description:
Students form teams and embark on a collaborative design challenge. They plan their projects, assign roles based on individual strengths, and begin conceptualizing a solution to a given problem or need. Teamwork and communication are emphasized as they combine ideas into a cohesive project plan.
Session 7: “Iterative Development: Refining Team Designs”
Description:
Teams develop their collaborative projects using iterative design processes. They create digital models in OnShape, build physical prototypes, and continually refine their designs based on testing and feedback. This cycle reinforces the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in design.
Session 8: “Advanced Assemblies: Integrating Complex Components”
Description:
Students learn about creating advanced assemblies in OnShape involving multiple interacting parts. Teams apply these techniques to their projects, integrating moving components or modular elements. They focus on how parts fit and work together, enhancing the functionality and sophistication of their designs.
Session 9: “Finalizing Projects: Preparing for Presentation”
Description:
Teams and individuals finalize their projects, focusing on polishing functionality and aesthetics. They prepare presentations, including visual aids and demonstrations, practicing how to effectively communicate their design process, challenges faced, and solutions developed.
Session 10: “Design Showcase: Presenting Innovations”
Description:
Students present their individual and team projects in a design showcase. They demonstrate their creations, discuss the iterative processes they underwent, and reflect on the challenges and successes experienced during the projects. This session celebrates their hard work and reinforces public speaking and presentation skills.