Project Based Learning & HyperDocs

Within my 5th grade technology class, we're working through a project based learning opportunity by designing our own tiny home. I start the project by uploading a HyperDoc to our Google Classroom so each student has a copy.

 A HyperDoc, in this instance, is a Google Doc where students have access to links to helpful websites and can work at their own pace. You can read more about HyperDocs from Jennifer Gonzalez's blog, Cult of Pedagogy.

 I built the HyperDoc so the students are following the engineering process as they work through the project. Each step within the HyperDoc is a step in the engineering process (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve). To be honest, my HyperDoc isn't the best looking. My students informed me it's difficult to read and follow, so I'll be changing it for next year to be color coded with a better layout.
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During the creation step of their tiny homes, my 5th graders used the following tools :

2D floorplan: LucidCharts (one of the many Google Apps)
     -under templates, choose floorplans

3D model: Planner 5D
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After using a HyperDoc for this particular project based learning opportunity, I've found it be largely beneficial for students for the following reasons:

1) Student empowerment --  they can work at their pace with plenty of personal choice to make during the process.
2) Feedback Opportunities -- with the HyperDoc living on our Google Classroom, I can leave comments on students work throughout the project. I find it keeps them engaged while allowing me easy ways to check their work.
3) Changing Instruction -- when students need certain instructions or more information, I can add links to articles and videos to help them along the way. It frees me up to move around the classroom for more 1-1 instruction with students.

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I have my entire 9 day lesson plans (with differentiation, assessments, exit tickets, etc.) on Teachers Pay Teachers

InnEdCO 2018

I recently learned of the acceptance of my workshop/presentation for this summer's InnEdCO conference in Keystone, Colorado. Last year, I presented a beginner's workshop for teachers to learn the basics of TinkerCAD, possible 3D printer options, and how to fund a 3D printer through crowd sourcing (Donor's Choose).

I'll change my presentation this year to include an advance level within the workshop. It will still be open to beginners, but I'll have an option within my Google Slide deck for participants to explore the classroom features for TinkerCAD. It now allows teachers to setup classroom accounts, have students easily join the online classroom community, and for teachers to push out specific lessons to students in your online classroom.

I'm not sure when I'll present my workshop, but it will be a 3 hour time slot during the regular conference dates:

Tuesday, June 12--Thursday, June 14

I'm truly grateful to InnEdCO for giving me this opportunity to share and learn.

InnEdCO 2017 -- My presentation -- 3D printing

This morning, Paige Dersham and I presented about our experience with 3D printers, TinkerCAD, and Donor's Choose. I was fairly anxious about having to present for 2 hours, but it went really well.

Here's our slide deck: 

tinyurl.com/innedco3D

If I was to change anything, I would want to add a Google Doc where we could share out all the tricks we learned while working on TinkerCAD. I had teachers showing me tricks I didn't know someone could do. It would be great to have one spot, like a Google Doc, where we could share all those fantastic ideas.

InnEdCO Conference

The great Paige Dersham and I are officially on the books for this summer's InnEdCO Conference from June 12-15 in Keystone, CO. Our session is on Tuesday, June 13 from 8-10 am.

During our workshop session, we'll present how our students use TinkerCAD to design 3D objects, how we print those objects using a 3D printer, and how other educators can fund this through Donor's Choose. We want educators leaving our workshop with the ability to create a 3D object using TinkerCAD and to create a project on Donor's Choose to start funding their own 3D printer.

Session Title: 3D Designing, Printing, and Making
Date: 06/13/2017
Start Time: 8:00
End Time: 10:00
Location: Crestone 3

3D printer - FlashForge Finder

I recently was lucky enough to have a 3D printer, the FlashForge Finder, through Donor's Choose at the beginning of the school year. Honestly, I didn't have a clue what I was getting myself into with 3D printing. I knew I wanted to give students an opportunity to design, create, and share using a 3D printer because I had seen the amazing objects being shared on Twitter. Also, we had a 5th grade teacher move onto another school this year who had been using a 3D printer for a few years. I felt obligated to carry on the tradition for this year's 5th graders.

FlashForge Finder

Of course, I thought it would easily just plug in and start printing. I was wrong. It was a little difficult getting the printing table aligned and balanced. Make sure to follow the directions completely when leveling it. Also, I had trouble with the PLA plastic not sticking to the printing table after the first couple of prints. I ordered BuildTak adhesive and it took care of the problem.

Here are a few websites/articles to help you get started using any 3D printer. I wish I had read these before I started printing:

• 3D Printing for Beginners (gave me the idea to use BuildTAK)
• 3D Printing Industry's Free Beginner's Guide
• MakerBots' 3D Printing in the Classroom

Here's an example of some of the amazing objects my 5th graders have designed using TinkerCAD:

Nameplates, Lounge Chair/Swimming Pool, 6-sided Die

3D Printer

Interested in purchasing a 3D printer? ISTE Connects supplies a helpful article on what to look for when purchasing a new printer. They even offer a few models to get you started. A really excellent resource for anyone wanting to get into 3D printing but aren't sure where to start.

Pixar In a Box -- free animation course

Pixar Animation Studios and Khan Academy paired together to create a program to teach students the basics of animation: Pixar in a Box.

According to Khan Academy, "The course covers different animation-related topics each of which comes with ‘a design focused lesson appropriate for grades 5+, followed by a math focused lesson which is grade specific.’ The topics included are :

• 'Environment Modeling: Explore how realistic blades of grass are modeled using parabolic arcs.
• Character Modeling: Explore how clay models are transformed into digital characters using weighted averages.
• Crowds: Explore how swarms of robots were created for WALL-E using combinatorics.
• Animation: Explore how animators bring characters to life with the help of Animation curves.
• Sets and Staging: Explore how virtual sets are constructed using geometric transformations.
• Rendering: Explore how pixels are painted by solving systems of linear equations."

Makerspaces

Recently, our 5th grade science/math teacher received a grant to purchase a 3D printer. The students LOVE it! They've printed a a life size human heart, braille dice, and other wonderful creations. They've been using Google SketchUp to design these creations.

Edudemic recently posted an article on how to make Makerspaces like the one we have in 5th grade. It's not all about 3D printers but also includes robotics, game creations, and Makey Makey. The article also includes videos to inspire students to become inventors.

Autodesk's Design Software

Autodesk released all of their design software for free student/teacher downloads.  Best know for software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Inventor, Autodesk's products are a great way for students to create 3D games, movies, buildings, and other projects.  They also have courses for teachers to learn all about their products, collaborate with other users, and design projects for their students.