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Explore resources, tools, and strategies for teaching STEM and STEAM. Discover innovative ideas to engage students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

SketchUp Pro
STEM/STEAM

Scaffolding Resources for SketchUp Pro

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Whether you are new to 3D design software or have made use of various applications for a while, I’m sure you have come across and most likely used SketchUp Pro. SketchUp Pro allows you to design three-dimensional objects in the typical CAD fashion. Because of the learning curve that is normal for its users, we’ve curated a set of resources (mostly YouTube tutorials) to help you get started and to take your skills to the next level.

Just Getting Started

If you are new to this amazing program, then consider using one of the resources below. These will help you get foundational skills whether you are using the application yourself or teaching students how to use it.

Taking Your 3D Skills to the Next Level

 

Request Free Licenses of the 3D Design Software

If you are an educator in a Texas public school, you can request SketchUp Pro licenses at no charge! That is a $695 value per license! For more information, contact Erin Taylor at etaylor@tcea.org.

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Save Fred equipment: 4 paper clips, 1 clear small bowl, 1 gummy worm and 1 gummy lifesaver.
STEM/STEAM

We Have to Save Fred!

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

As I have said before, I love working in the brick and mortar building of TCEA HQ, but it is also invigorating to get out on the road. The best part of workshops is connecting with teachers. I love hearing what their students are learning and what technology they are using to get the learning accomplished. I wish I could remember which fantastic educator shared this activity. So if by chance you are that educator . . . thank you for sharing Save Fred. 

The Set Up

Fred is a worm who likes to take his boat out on the water. However, we know that worms cannot swim, so Fred practices safe boating by wearing his life preserver on the water. BUT, tragically, Fred’s boat has flipped over. Fred landed on top of his boat and his life preserver bounced under his boat. It is your mission to SAVE FRED.

Student Objectives:

Two hands with paper clips holding the gummy worm, Fred.
Photo by author.
  • Analyze a problem
  • Try different design solutions
  • Build student communication and collaboration
  • Reflect on the process
  • **Not just for kids . . . great activity for adults

Equipment per Group

  • Four paperclips (the larger paper clips work better for smaller hands)
  • One gummy worm (I like the Target brand the best)
  • One gummy Life Saver (a standard bag will provide many life preservers)
  • One small plastic cup (Dollar Tree has a good and inexpensive selection)

Save Fred Video

Check out this video by Mr. Pearson for the story setup and directions on how to save Fred the worm. The video length is only 1:42. Make sure you watch to the very end. Mr. Pearson used Chatterpix in a very creative way.

Beth and Rowdy showing off their Fred.
Beth and Rowdy = Success!

The Problem

How can your group save Fred? Your group can only use the four paperclips to accomplish this mission: You need to get the life preserver on Fred and get Fred back in his boat, all without touching Fred, the boat, or the life preserver. It would also be great if you did not injure Fred. Do not stab him with your paper clips.

Two tips from Tessa Stow, a fifth grade teacher in Hereford ISD who uses Save Fred as her first science lab every year.

  1. Try this challenge non verbally.
  2. Don’t tell them they can bend the paper clips. “Sometimes you have to modify in science because it doesn’t always work the first time.”

Extension Activities

  • Use a digital storytelling tool to create a story about Fred. Try out. Toontastic on a Chromebook or Book Creator on an iPad.
  • Try Adobe Express to create your own Save Fred video.
  • Use Flipgrid to record group reflections.
  • Use Popplet Lite, Microsoft OneNote, or Google Drawing to flowchart the process. Check out this free resource from Purdue EDU.
  • Create your own ChatterPix Kids. Four easy steps are listed below.

Chatterpix Kids App

The Chatterpix  Kids app is made by Duck Duck Moose for iOS devices and is free. It is geared for ages 5-12, but even high schoolers enjoy using it.

Four Easy Steps

  1. Take a photo.
  2. Draw a line to make a mouth.
  3. Record your voice.
  4. Share the Pix with friends and family.

I would love to hear how your Saving Fred adventures are going. Email me at preimers@tcea.org and share your Fred stories.

Featured image photo by author.

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Good TeachingSTEM/STEAM

Four STEM-tastic Activities Using Waste and Upcycled Materials

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills are essential for success in the modern world. Even in fields not directly related, the skills developed through STEM learning—such as trial and error, problem-solving, and critical thinking—are a big part of almost any career, not to mention having the potential to significantly boost income!

Recent research into the key motivators and beliefs for kids ages 11-17 surrounding STEM topics found that interest peaks at a younger age, but dwindles as kids get older. Additionally, research has also shown that gender stereotypes relating to math being a “boy’s subject” can set in as early as second grade. In order to prepare kids for life in this rapidly-changing world, as well as break down harmful stereotypes, we should teach them these essential skills sooner rather than later!

There are a plethora of methods out there for teaching STEM skills to kids. However, due to the nature of the subject, a lot of the available kits are prohibitively expensive, especially so when it comes to engineering, computing, and robotics.

Conversely, there are also tons of resources out there for kids to develop STEM skills through hands-on DIY activities. Below we highlight our top four activities for kids to learn science, engineering, and math using waste or upcycled materials!

1) Build a Paddle Boat

There are many different guides available for kids in different age groups to build their own miniature boats. We love the two builds below because they are almost entirely made out of recycled/waste materials. Additionally, there are also various ways to extend the activities for more advanced learning.

STEM activity paddle boat

Paddle boat from Coffee Cups and Crayons

The first is the plastic bottle paddle boat. This simple little boat is powered by an elastic band mechanism that works with a paddle mounted to the rear to propel the boat forward. This activity is a great way for kids to learn some basic engineering skills. Plus it can also be used to teach physics concepts like potential energy.

But the fun doesn’t have to stop there! There are lots of ways to extend this activity and develop more skills. For example, students can try to make the boat travel faster or further by modifying the initial design. They can change the hull to make the boat more streamlined or increase the paddle size. Have students formulate a hypothesis, test it by carrying out an experiment, and record their results. Then explain the results with science!

2) Build a Stick Raft

The second option is the stick raft, which is a great activity for different reasons. Before building their rafts, students will need to plan out the design. Then they’ll need to go outdoors and forage for the raw materials! Once built, they can then develop trial and error skills by floating the boat and perfecting the design.

Like with the paddle boat, there are many different ways to extend this project. For example, you can add a sail for more speed. You can also split students up into groups and set a challenge for who can build the raft that can hold the most weight. This is great for learning teamwork and collaboration.

3) Build a Rubber Band Car

The next two vehicles are quite similar to the boat activities above, but they’re built for land. The first is a simple activity that’s perfect for young learners. It is almost entirely made out of used plastic bottles too! The car is driven by a rubber band-powered fan on the back, so it’s another good way to learn about potential energy.

Similarly, students can also try to modify the car to increase the speed or distance it can travel or just for fun! For example, get them to change the wheel size, shape, or material to reduce friction against the floor. Older learners can then measure and record their results, using the speed = distance/time equation to calculate the speed.

4) Build a Mousetrap Vehicle

The mousetrap car is a classic science project that you may have encountered before. It is more complicated to build than the rubber band car, so it’s a good choice for older students. The only downside is you will most likely need to purchase more materials.

Mousetrap car STEM activity

Mousetrap car from Wehavekids.com

At the center of the vehicle is the mousetrap, which powers movement by converting stored energy in the spring mechanism into kinetic energy. For more information on this aspect, check out this fantastic article on the physics behind the mousetrap car.

Basic structure aside, there are tons of variations online for different builds that aim to optimize the car for speed or distance. Students can also keep working on their cars and making improvements to reduce friction, increase traction, or maximize energy transfer from the spring to the wheels. Here are some awesome suggestions!

Get Building!

Research shows students engage far better when their learning has a purpose. As such, the interactive activities featured here can provide a fantastic way to complement the curriculum and improve the learning experience, but without breaking the bank. For more details and ideas, see this list of the top DIY STEM activities for kids.

This is a guest blog by William Asbury. William is the founder of STEMtoyexpert, an educational resource designed to improve STEM learning and awareness for all age groups.

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iPad with headphones
iOS Tips and TricksSTEM/STEAM

Appify Learning with iOS Science Apps

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

If you are teaching with an iPad and need to “appify” science instruction, consider these apps for your classroom. This collection includes reference guides and games. Each intends to engage students with visuals, videos, and interactive elements. The cost appears after each app. If no cost appears, the app is free.

Reference Guides

  • Bloom ($4.99): See how plants spread their seeds.
  • Field Guide for Lepidoptera:  “Lepidoptera is an order of insects that includes butterflies and moths” (Source). This is a field guide.
  • Journeys of Invention  ($9.99): “With Journeys of Invention you can study, rotate and even operate some of the most revolutionary scientific inventions of all time. Step inside the Apollo 10 Command Module, examine a flea with Robert Hooke’s 17th-century microscope, explore the Large Hadron Collider, or even encode a secret message with a World War II Enigma Machine and share it with your friends to decipher. The app features original and insightful history specially written by Science Museum curators with a rich collection of historic photographs, rarely seen contemporary artworks, archive film footage and video.”
  • Mammals  ($2.99): Explore this interactive guide that shows how mammals play, grow, see, eat, move, and feel.
  • Nature Guides: Find out more about birds, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and damselflies with these informative color guides.
  • Science 360: A reference guide for current science news featuring images, videos, and text.
  • Science Glossary: A glossary of scientific terms and short biographies that support a science education website. All definitions link to related terms and to free, detailed science learning modules. It is geared for secondary students to use via the web. The various components are fine for anyone interested in science.
  • Weather Line ($1.99): See this infographic maker for your local weather.
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Together: See endangered animals via images and read about them. The app features interactive elements.
  • Ultimate Dinopedia-Complete Dinosaur Guide ($4.99): See 700 dinosaurs with National Geographic’s interactive Dinopedia.
  • Video Science Guides ($0.99): “Short videos (80 lessons) demonstrate inexpensive and easy to recreate experiments that are designed to inspire and excite kids of all ages.”

Science Games

  • BioBlox2D: “BioBlox2D is a free mobile game for iOS and Android where you have to dock molecules together! Matching different shapes and charges. Switch, Rotate, Swipe and match the Ligands to create the perfect match for the Receptor. Learn about the fascinating world of bio-molecules and their interactions!”
  • DragonBox Algebra 5+ ($4.99): “DragonBox Algebra 5+ Is perfect for giving young children a head start in mathematics and algebra. Children as young as five can easily begin to grasp the basic processes involved in solving linear equations without even realising that they are learning. The game is intuitive, engaging and fun, allowing anyone to learn the basics of algebra at his or her own pace.” There is also a DragonBox Algebra 12+ ($7.99). Find a wealth of other apps online.
  • Galactic Genius with Astro Cat: “Galactic Genius with Astro Cat is a puzzle game app for ages 6-11 and beyond, based on mini games of logic, speed, memory, and concentration.”
  • Play and Learn Science: “Encourage early science learning with Play and Learn Science, a suite of educational kids games from PBS KIDS! Let your kids play a wide range of games.”

Using These Apps

It may sometimes appear difficult to incorporate non-game apps into your regular lessons. The standard use for these apps involves students exploring a specific topic. These work well as research apps. This approach does work. Students may tire of only using apps for research. Ask students to determine what has been left out of the app. Create situations where they can research that information themselves. Students can share their findings via a new Google Site or OneNote Notebook. Suggest students think about a different way to group the content in the app. Prompt them to think about what new topics might be included in the future. Take the app-based information to the next level of Bloom’s for greater engagement.

Looking for More?

There are many online resources featuring iOS apps. What are some of your favorites?

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WeDo 2.0 Milo Rover
RoboticsSTEM/STEAM

Getting Started with WeDo 2.0 Robotics

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 tends to get all the glory, but it is time to give some props to its little brother, the WeDo 2.0. The second generation of WeDo has been gracing elementary classrooms for the past two years. And this last spring, the WeDo 2.0 software received a nice overhaul. Read on for the rundown on this robotics classroom tool. 

What is it?

  • An elementary robot-based learning system
  • A STEM solution with a large emphasis on science exploration
  • Discovery-based approach with collaboration in mind

What is included?

  • 280 LEGO building elements
  • Electronics include a low-energy Bluetooth smart hub, motor, motion sensor, and tilt sensor
  • Drag and drop classroom-friendly software
  • 40+ hours of standards-based projects

Who is it for?

  • Geared for ages: 7+
  • Best for two students per set
  • Free LEGO curriculum designed for grades 2-4
  • The difficulty level of the open projects covers fifth grade science standards.

What device do I need for programming the WeDo?

  • Windows or Mac computer
  • iPad
  • Chromebook
  • Make sure you check out the Hardware Specs before you buy devices.

The WeDo 2.0 Curriculum

  • EIght Getting Started Projects
  • EIght Guided Projects – Science
  • Eight Open Projects.- Science
  • Four Guided Projects – Computational Thinking
  • Four Open Projects – Computational Thinking

Each of the projects has three phases. In the Explore phase, students connect to a scientific question or an engineering problem, establish a line of inquiry, and consider possible solutions. Next is the Create phase where students will build, program, and modify a LEGO® model. Last, each project ends with the Share phase. Students present and explain their solutions using their LEGO builds. The students document what they have created in the integrated Documentation tool in the software.

(You will not want for ideas and projects with the WeDo 2.O curriculum included in the software.)

Action Plan to Start with WeDo 2.0

  1. Visit the great website provided by LEGO to get started. This quick start will get you unboxing your pieces, labeling your parts. and downloading the software. 
  2. Try out a few of the Getting Started projects. These small builds will give you an idea of building and programming.
  3. To get started with the curriculum, I would choose  #2: Speed. With this particular guided project, your students will:
  • Explore race car features.
  • Create and program a race car to investigate what factors would make it go faster.
  • Document and present ways to make their race car go the fastest.

Hopefully this blog  will get you started on the right track with WeDo 2.0. TCEA is offering a training on it on October 20, 2018.

Feature Image: WeDo 2.0 Milo Rover, by LEGO Education

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Jemison
Announcements/Important DatesSTEM/STEAM

And the 2019 TCEA Convention & Exposition Opening Keynote Is…

by Susan Meyer
written by Susan Meyer

We’re so excited to announce that the opening keynote for the TCEA 2019 Convention & Exposition is the remarkable physician, engineer, social scientist, entrepreneur, educator, and wanna-be dancer Dr. Mae Jemison! Oh, and she also just happens to be a former NASA astronaut and the first woman of color to travel into space. Jemison is an advocate for STEM learning, and she has a powerful message to share with our 2019 attendees. Read on to learn a little about Jemison and why we’re thrilled to have her help get educators Fully Charged this February. You’ll also get a sneak peek at some of our other featured presenters.

The Sky Isn’t the Limit

Mae Jemison is not someone who sees barriers or limits. She is continually looking for ways to expand what humanity is capable of and to encourage the next generation to push even farther. Jemison served as a NASA astronaut for six years. She traveled aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. She also started the Jemison Group, a technology consulting firm that Mae Jemison opening keynotedevelops engineering and science solutions to solve critical socio-cultural issues such as using satellite technology for healthcare delivery. Jemison is an inductee of the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame. She is also a winner of the National Organization for Women’s Intrepid Award.

Jemison leads 100 Year Starship, a bold nonprofit initiated to ensure that the capabilities exist for human travel beyond our solar system to another star within the next 100 years. Of course, for these advances to happen, the next generation of learners will need to embrace STEM learning and STEM careers in a big way. Jemison has written several books to help make the ideas and concepts of the 100 Year Starship accessible to young learners.

 

Fostering STEM Learning

In 1994, Jemison founded the international science camp The Earth We Share. This camp is open to middle school and high school students and focuses on improving science literacy and problem-solving skills. The camp is run by the nonprofit Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, named for Jemison’s mother, a dedicated educator for 25 years. From 2011 to 2014, The Dorothy Jemison Foundation held the TEWS-Space Race which trained hundreds of middle school teachers and thousands of students in experiential science education.

Jemison is herself an educator. She was an Environmental Studies professor at Dartmouth College from 1995 through 2001, where she worked on sustainable development and technology design for the developing world.

Fun Facts About Mae Jemison

Here are a few pieces of trivia about Dr. Jemison.

  • Before she was an astronaut, she served as a Peace Corps medical officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia. She has also worked in a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand.
  • She played a role on Star Trek: The Next Generation. In fact, she was the first real astronaut to ever appear on the series.
  • Jemison has a LEGO minifigure in her honor as part of the Women in NASA set. It was the fastest-selling toy in Amazon history.

More Featured Presenters

In addition to the incredible Dr. Mae Jemison, we’re thrilled to be welcoming several other featured presenters that will make the 2019 Convention one to remember.

Gerry Brooks is an educator who is known for his hilarious, and all too relatable, videos on his popular YouTube channel. He will be bringing his best tips and tricks on how to foster a positive culture in your school or classroom. And, of course, he’ll make us all laugh!

Leslie Fisher is a former Apple employee who now specializes in presenting emerging and practical technology solutions to educators all over the world.

Shannon Miller is a Future Ready Librarian spokesperson working with students, librarians, and teachers to encourage conversations around education, technology, creativity, and student voice.

Toni Robinson is passionate about helping professionals embrace change, achieve results, and step into
new possibilities. Her interactive learning experiences incorporate technology, movement, and participant expertise.

Sara Schapiro is the Vice President of Education for PBS and leads their efforts to engage with education communities to empower and support students, educators, and parents. She speaks about the transformation of education through innovation and technology.

Catlin Tucker is a Google Certified Innovator who has written several books on achieving blended learning. She also runs an internationally-ranked education blog at CatlinTucker.com.

These are just a few of the voices that will be helping educators to get Fully Charged this February. We hope you will be there too, ready to take in all that they have to share. Mark your calendars because registration opens September 13. See you in San Antonio!

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ball of twine
Coding/Computer ScienceEnglish Language Arts Reading (ELAR)STEM/STEAM

Humanities Go Digital: Coding and Storytelling

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

At a recent mini-conference in Houston, Danica Botts (@TeachingNBotts) introduced me to the concept of “digital humanities.” She then modeled how a coding website could be used to craft an online story. In this blog entry, we’ll explore various ways that you can use coding tools to tell a story. Before we do that, let’s clarify what is meant when I say, “humanities go digital.”

Defining Digital Humanities

Danica shared the definition of digital humanities with audience members: “An academic field concerned with the application of computational tools and methods to traditional humanities disciplines such as literature, history, and philosophy.” To simplify this definition,  “…brings digital tools and methods to the study of the humanities with the recognition that the printed word is no longer the main medium for knowledge production and distribution”

What are some ways that you can bring digital tools to the task of knowledge production and distribution? Danica suggested one solution I had never encountered before. Let’s take a look at it and how it could be used.

Introducing Twine

“Twine is an open-source tool for telling interactive, nonlinear stories,” as reported on The Twinery website. A longer explanation explains the concept further:

You don’t need to write any code to create a simple story with Twine, but you can extend your stories with variables, conditional logic, images, CSS, and JavaScript when you’re ready.

Twine publishes directly to HTML, so you can post your work nearly anywhere. Anything you create with it is completely free to use any way you like, including for commercial purposes.

This amazing tool is available online at Twinery.org. It is available via your web browser (e.g. Chromebooks), as well as installable on your Windows, MacOS, and/or GNU/Linux. The install software is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit flavors. One of the neat aspects of Twine is that you can embed HTML at its simplest level or enhance it with embed code from YouTube, Vimeo, or Javascript.  Students are able to explore the humanities, such as storytelling or narratives, while coding and then publish their work online.

Encouraging Computational Thinking

“Computational thinking is vital for raising the level of achievement, preparing students for global competitiveness and blending academics with real life, they have made the resources below free to all educators,” says Carolyn Sykora in this ISTE publication. Learning to program can be daunting. Introduce students who love crafting stories to beginning coding with Twine. It may open doors that computer science cannot open alone.

Did You Know?

ISTE has put together a Computational Thinking Toolkit replete with videos and print resources. You can watch a short video to introduce you to the concept of computational thinking.

Twine Online Tutorials

You can find a variety of online tutorials on Twine tool online. An online guide is available. The creator of these videos is Adam Hammond, who has many more resources available.

Creations at The Twinery.org

Looking for some examples of what you can make at the Twinery? Remember, with Twine, you can make interactive stories a la Zork or more. One key benefit of Twine is that you can use it to introduce students to computational thinking with a straightforward interface.

Here are a few examples:

  • Crypt Shyfter: This is one of several games that appear in the Crypt Shyfter series. While the link takes you to a gaming website, what’s amazing is that the underlying interface was created in Twine.
  • Before the End of the World: Adapted from the description: Before the End of the World is a Twine game. It was created to explore how minor differences in context can change one’s actions. It helps the reader see how these changes impact the reader’s perception of the story.

Creation

Ready to give it a try? You will definitely want to watch a few video tutorials first. Creating a simple story, even as a choose your own adventure, is quite simple. For example, here are some of my efforts:

Here’s the opening canvas of Twine. You can add an initial passage, then link to subsequent passages by placing words in double brackets

Here’s what the story looks like. I’ve embedded an image, too:

You can customize the look and feel of the text and images using cascading style sheets (CSS). Want to read this three act story in its entirety?

Humanities Go Digital

Blending digital tools that combine coding and the humanities makes representing ideas new and fresh. You can easily use Twine to create choose your own adventure stories, documentaries, and more, even a novel introduction to a new unit of study. The added value, as opposed to using a Google Sites or other graphical user interface (GUI), is that you have the flexibility to a wide variety of embed code.

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make thinking physical
Coding/Computer ScienceSTEM/STEAM

Make Thinking Physical: Coding Your Creations

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

At the recent Elementary Technology Conference, one of my Code Building with Minecraft: Education Edition session participants asked, “Have you heard of CoSpaces?” I confessed that I had not. “It’s a way to introduce students to 3D printing design using block coding,” she responded. Intrigued, I made a mental note to explore this fascinating way to introduce students to coding and 3D printing design. In this blog entry, we’ll explore two tools, including one just released, that empower you and/or your students to use visual programming (a.k.a. “block code”) to create a 3D print design for printing.

Rapid Prototyping

As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, Design Thinking Learning, presenting students with problems can introduce them to block coding. What’s more, it can serve as a way to make a real-life connection. Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D printing are two more exciting ways to create rapid prototypes of solutions to human-centered problems.

“Rapid prototyping is a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a physical part or assembly using three-dimensional computer aided design data.” Wikipedia

Check out this image (3D Innovations) which highlights rapid prototyping in the K-12 Classroom:

Image Source: 3D Innovations

Learn more about design thinking. Read this short overview.

Tool #1: Prototyping in AR/VR Space

Are you ready to code creations that manifest themselves in augmented reality or virtual reality space? Check out CoSpaces; get an overview in this PDF document. Browser-based CoSpaces works online, so no special software is required. You are able to create in 3D, using block coding to add animations. Enroll in their free online course to learn how to create in CoSpaces.

Watch this quick video:

UQkB92VQSliyTDaU7r3S_CoSpaced%20Sample.mp4

Want to learn more about what’s possible with CoSpaces in the classroom? Read this TCEA blog entry.

Tool #2: TinkerCAD CodeBlocks

You may already know about TinkerCAD as an amazing way to introduce students to 3D print design. Students are able to design in 3D using a beginner tool before they move on to something like Photoshop, SketchUp Pro, etc. This means students can design and fine0tune their designs in digital space before they hit the “PRINT” button. 3D printing has long been a rapid prototyping tool. But what about creating 3D print design using visual programming code?

Released in June, 2018, TinkerCAD CodeBlocks describes itself as “a cool new way to build things in Tinkercad, using blocks of code to bring your imagination to life.”

 

Image Source: TinkerCAD CodeBlocks

Once students have created their code, they can export their creation as a 3D-printable file.

Isn’t that incredible? The interface, when you first jump into the beta CodeBlocker, looks like this:

codeblocker

You can do more than just export your code-based 3D printing designs. You can also share them with others using the handy SHARE button.

Make Thinking Physical: Coding Your Creations

Whether students are coding to create in virtual/augmented reality or design in 3D, they are making important connections. One connection sure to engage them is that students see how code translates into physical creations. The coding process makes thinking visible. The visible creation (e.g. 3D printed design) strengthens student understanding that what’s digital can be made physical. Or, to put it another way, thinking made physical.

 

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lego rocket orange fun brick
STEM/STEAM

Fantastic Nerdy Fun with LEGOs

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

 

Love legos? Check out our upcoming robotics training and workshops:
Intro to Lego EV3 Robotics
Mission Possible Summer Camp: Lego EV3 Robotics in the Classroom

Who doesn’t enjoy playing with LEGOs? There are more choices with LEGO today than when we were kids. There are also more choices as to making designs. If you don’t have an engineer or architect in the family, then consider using one of t

he following tools to convert 3D objects to ones made of LEGO bricks. For easy comparison purposes, we’ll use the same file, Cartoon Rocket by frankvb, with each tool so you can compare the quality and results.

Tinkercad

Tinkercad has to be one of the easiest CAD programs for kids. Students as young as kindergarten and first grade can start creating after learning just two or three simple skills. Plus, the new Brick feature makes it easy to convert your creations to LEGO designs. You have three resolution choices (1x, 2x, or 3x design size) with each increasing resolution making the final design larger. Though you’ll use the most LEGO bricks when using the 3x resolution, others will appreciate your work all the more. To “brickify” your object, just follow these steps:

  1. Load (or create) your 3D object in Tinkercad.
  2. Click on the brick icon in the top right menu area. Tinkercad will render your object. Larger and more complex objects may take a little longer to render.
  3. Select the preferred resolution (1x, 2x, or 3x).
  4. Click on the Layers button to review the design layer by layer. The indicator at the bottom of the design will indicate which layer you are viewing and how many total layers.

Tinkercad does not identify how many bricks you’ll  need, so you’ll have to make an educated guess. Review the online design and construct your piece, scrolling through each layer as you complete it.

Online Voxelizer

Dutch coder and designer Arjan Westerdiep has created Online Voxelizer to help you convert 3D objects to voxels; think of voxels as three-dimensional pixels. One advantage to using Online Voxelizer is that it will identify how many voxels (or 1 x 1 blocks) are used. Begin by opening a .obj or .stl file (remember, the larger the file size, the longer it may take to render/construct your object). Adjust the slider bar (from 1 to 128) to identify the resolution desired. A small slider bar below the resolution slider also allows you to adjust the transparency, which is helpful when identifying internal construction. At the highest resolution (128), the cartoon rocket object was 55 x 55 x 128 bricks and consisted of 18,358 voxels (151,735 voxels if the object was solid and not hollow). Click on the 2D icon to open the layer inspector which will slice the rendering for you; you’ll be able to scroll through each layer and refer to it during construction. There is not a way to download individual layers.

NOTE: I was not successful with Chrome or Firefox and Online Voxelizer. Microsoft Edge browser had no problems running the cloud-based application.

Brickr

Though you may feel like you are having to jump through a few hoops for your final product, Brickr does provide a nice conversion. To begin with, you’ll need an .obj file to upload. Since my original one was .stl, I went to meshconvert.com, uploaded the .stl file, and chose the Wavefront Object .obj format as the output. You are now ready to load your shape into Brickr. You will be prompted to specify the resolution; 30 appears to be the default, but was not acceptable to me. So I reloaded my shape and increased the resolution to 96. The resulting construction was decent. For a layer-by-layer map of how to assemble the bricks, click the “Save Instructions” button (bottom left of dashboard), give it a file name, and select whether you prefer the image layers as png, jpg, or svg format (I recommend png). It may make it easier, prior to saving instructions, to select Random as the brick color as this will help you distinguish different size bricks (and possible postpone getting cross-eyed in the process). You will now have one image for each layer; in my case, I ended up with 33 layers (instead of assembling from bottom-to-top, it sliced the construction from side-to-side.

Tinkercad
(3x resolution, 71 layers)
Tinkercad rendering

Online Voxelizer
(128 resolution, 128 layers)

Brickr
(96 resolution, 33 layers)

Recommendation for LEGOs

If you are wanting to convert a 3D object that the students will work together to construct, I recommend using Brickr. Once you render to brickified model, save the instructions as .png files and then print each of those files. Label each page with the layer (and possibly hole punch to keep in a binder for storing). Divvy out the pages to various groups of students and have them each construct their portion, which will combine with other groups’ work to create the final amazing LEGO construction.

Prior to beginning your project, you might have students measure a LEGO brick and then have them estimate how many bricks it will take to complete the rendering. After they get started, they will definitely want to modify their guess, which is good since that shows they are editing the calculations in their mind and becoming better at spacial reasoning.

Once you convert your object, share a screenshot of it with us. Better yet, share your final LEGO construction (along with how many bricks it took) with #TCEA and #brickify!

 

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3D printing
STEM/STEAM

Bright Ideas for 3D Printing

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

With the cost of 3D printers coming down and the quality going up, it’s no wonder that more and more folks are joining the 3D printing craze. Even if you are a novice at designing in SketchUp, Tinkercad, or Fusion 360, you can find tons of files already created and ready to be downloaded and printed. If you haven’t joined the 3D printing fun yet, then jump over and read our post Easy Answers to FAQs about 3D Printing to get started.

3D Printing Starter Ideas

For some easy and fun 3D printing, I have pulled together a variety of light switches that you can download and print. Even if you don’t want to modify the files, you will find that you, and others, will get a smile each time you use your light switch. Above is the light switch that I modified for our type of plate at work. I set mine so that the switch is to one side in case I wanted to do something fancy on the other side. After you print one out, you will start having new ideas of how you can tweak it. If you plan to print out anything that LEGOs can snap to, be sure to print out a test file first and check to make sure that the pieces can snap on without crowding each other. Though you can create it from scratch, you might find it easier to start with a LEGO baseplate and then cut out the area for your switch(es).

Here is a super simple wall plate for a light switch to start with. Even though it has ON and OFF lightly carved in it, you can  easily fill it in to make a solid plate on which you can add text, objects, etc. Even though this one doesn’t involve LEGOs, you will want to print the first one in draft or quick mode so you can verify that the screws and switch hole line up with yours. No need to spend several hours designing first only to find out later that they apparently have one that doesn’t meet the specs of yours.

If you are into gears, then SRex has designed the Geared Light Switch Plate. This one is for the three-switch plate. Instead of flipping the switch, you crank the appropriate handle to turn the gear that moves the other gear plate to flip the switch. The nice thing about the two outer gears is that there is ample room if you wanted to add text or designs to the inner portion. This is a great switch for a child’s room or the STEM lab.

If you are a science teacher or English teacher, you might be interested in the Frankenstein Light Switch Plate by LoboCNC. Science teachers might like the electricity reference, while English teachers may enjoy just another reference to classic fiction literature. If you don’t have brown filament to use for it, then you might consider painting it before you assemble and install it. LoboCNC gives you several files so you can accommodate single, double, and triple switch plates, as well as one with a paddle-style rocker plate.

Harry Potter fans will enjoy the Harry Potter Light Switch Cover by momofthreeboys. No need for a dual extruder; just use black filament and then carefully paint the letters and lightening bolt with silver. This plate also has three hooks at the bottom (not shown) for you to hang your keys on…or your dragon leash or magic wand. Though I have not printed this plate, it appears that you might want to make the base slightly thicker so the supporting rafts are not apparent or just make sure the plate is solid and does not contain a hollow core.

And no collection would be complete without a Tardis Light Switch by zerocool5878 for all the Dr. Who fans in your classroom or office. Of course you know you have to print some extras for the others to have in their rooms. With just a little searching, you can find all sorts of matching Tardis projects to print.

So which one will you print out first? I bet that if you put it in your classroom, your students will want one and your cool factor will go up a few digits! If so, let us know how it goes…and be sure to share a photo of your final project by emailing it to me at bellis@tcea.org or tweeting it out using the #TCEA and #makers hashtags.

 

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