Hi Teachers,
We are starting to work on curriculum for 3D carving in schools. We have lots of smart teachers here on the forum and we were wondering if you have thoughts about the best way to go about it. What do you think? Do you have projects to contribute? What do we need beyond projects?
A teacher named Jeff Solin from Lane Tech High School in Chicago made this Mosaic Tile project to use with the kids in his classroom. It is a great way to get kids comfortable with the machine, in a reasonable time, and create something together with the class that is larger than any individual kid’s project.
We thought it was cool so we tried it at Inventables last week.
How can you help?
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We’ve been further developing the idea. What do you think about a series of tiles like the ones pictured below that each teach a different technique or concept. The tiles get increasingly more complex to make.
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That is a fantastic idea! Especially for a teacher PD! Thanks @Zach_Kaplan
Hi Zach, are you also considering modules to cover the following. These kids are pretty sharp and some will learn at different paces so having a “stepped” curriculum really gives them something to shoot for and helps the teacher structure the learning better.
Basics
- CNC 101 (X-Carve orientation, homing, etc…)
- Basic GRBL 101
- Safety 101
Intermediate
- Working with imported SVG and cut depths
- Working with multiple bits
Advanced
- Importing GRBL coded in another program
- Feeds and speeds
- Inlays
That’s interesting.
What would you include in the 101 and Basic GRBL?
Do you really mean GRBL or Gcode or both?
@Zach_Kaplan I really like the tile idea to get the kids thinking about what can be done. Along those same lines, magnets might be a fun idea. The kids would have to measure the magnets they’d use to install in the material. As far as general ideas, I like having my students create things that serve a functional purpose.
Right now, I am figuring things out with the Carvey, but I’m happy to contribute once I get into this more.
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Magnets would be cool. I could imagine making a wood block that you insert a magnet into and you have to calculate the wall thickness and the strength of the magnet to determine if it will work.
You could even combine it with the tile project where you embed magnets in the back but then you can hang magnetic stuff off the front of the tile.
That could be really cool!
I thought magnets right away because almost every classroom in our building has chalkboards that are becoming more obsolete, but it’s very difficult to attach anything to the sweating cinderblock walls in my classroom.
Zach,
I can think of so many ways to add carving into the manufacturing classes in our local schools. My company does Professional Development and work with integrating manufacturing equipment into their curriculum. Could you contact me to discuss further? I would like to see what sort of ideas you have.
@DevinCatron sure I’ll send you an email.
Does anyone have any feedback on these skill builders:
In order:
1. Engraving - engrave away top layer. Use digital calipers to measure top layer in HDPE
2. Pockets - deeper area, carved away “pool like”
3. Bit Changes - bit sizes 1/32 1/16 â…› use to control/improve carving time
4. Inlay Generator - App in Easel. Tolerance concept
5. Raised area on a depth - like “ONE” in original sketch. Make user conscious of diameter of bit in corners areas, etc
6. Profiling - Cutting shape/letter out, all of the way through. Tabs
7. Mechanical Motion - using Gear Generator App, add extra part “Cap” over gears
Speeds and Feeds Calculations - Feed Rate = Spindle Speed (12500 RPM) X #of flutes on bit X Chip Load (on bit chart)
8. Using Apps - Explaining how to use various apps in Easel (voronoi)
9. Living hinges - cut thin hinges, heat to fold
10. Image Trace - Using Image Trace & Threshold/Smoothing features
11. SVG Import - Easel SVG Import Guide http://easel.inventables.com/help/svg-import-guide
12. Flip Milling - register & flip over to cut other side (clock w/ movement pocket in back, numbers on front)
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@BobJewell awesome. I’ll toss you an email and we can set up a call to discuss further. We’re going to be looking for “beta tester” classrooms.
I found out this week that I have been given an open ended opportunity to teach a STEM class this summer, 5 weeks long 45 minutes a day. I have been given the go ahead to do whatever I want (obviously within reason).
I have 2 x-carves in my school, full size, that I can use. I immediately thought about incorporating them into this STEM program, but in this short time frame I am struggling how I can use it enough to make sense. I came to the forums and searched “classroom” and came across this post.
So 1) Zach, any chance your curriculum is developed enough for someone like myself to beta test this over a 5 week summer course… which starts Tuesday!
or 2) Do any of y’all have any suggestions for me to help me out?
My early thoughts are to teach some basic skills designing SVG’s, likely using Inkscape since I am familiar with it and it is free. Then to use their designs on the x-carve. Then partway through the summer use their skills for a larger scale group project such. I am so early into the thinking process that I am sure I am overlooking some obvious things.
Also I only have very limited experience on the x-carve, we just got them a bit ago. I am a quick learner though!
Thanks for any help you can offer!
Thanks Zach, I like the mosaic tile project as a good first project. I think I will have more to do after but its a start. If we do anything groundbreaking or worth the share for others I will post it as a follow up.
Any update on this curriculum? would love to use this in my classroom!
Yes. We’ve started doing full lessons on Easel live. Here are the ones we’ve done so far:
Inlay Cutting Boards
Personalized Holiday Ornaments
Thanksgiving Leaf Garland
Check out those we’d love your feedback!
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what about the skill builders? those would present a great structure for a semester - 10-12 projects for each student.
Yea we have a few of those too:
