This is a draft!
How might we teach the basics of 3D modeling for 3D printing in a fun way?
- How might we make toys to improve 3d making skills?
- How might we get kids excited about engineering?
- In doing all these, how might we help kids indirectly learn the basics of constructive solid geometry?
Why?
- Makers are the future. Kids are the future!
- Construction toys do not easily lend themselves to teaching subtractive boolean operations (you can unite two blocks to make a house, but can you subtract two blocks to make a doughnut?)
- Building up 3d mental models is challenging but can provide a new way of thinking
- These concepts are useful skills in 2d computer graphics (vectors, e.g. for laser cutting) and in 3d computer graphics (cad modeling, e.g. for 3d printing)
Project goals
- Observations
- How do kids learn geometry? What age?
- What toys do kids play with that help them develop spatial skills?
- What tools do teachers use?
- Experimentations
- Prototype 2D boolean games
- Prototype 3D boolean games
- Create narratives
- Creations
- Include a platform to transition over to free creation
- Integrate with existing 3D CAD tools?
Challenges
- How to make this fun?
- Puzzle-based game
- Narrative-based game
- Or maybe it’s just in the aesthetics?