Academically gifted students became 3D designers and makers this summer during a weeklong camp that introduced them to the technology and engineering behind 3D printing.
The “3D Printing with TinkerCad” camp was part of the AIG Summer Seminars series and was funded by the Polk County Community Foundation. Polk County Middle School career and technical education teacher Matthew Dellinger led students through a combination of hands-on activities and computer-based 3D modeling.
Students began the week by learning how 3D printing works and getting an introduction to Tinkercad, software used to create three-dimensional designs. They also explored how articulation works by studying and designing with ball joints.
As their skills developed, campers created a variety of objects, including a cheeseman and animals, before designing a project of their own choosing.
The week gave students an opportunity to move through much of the design process, learning how 3D models are created, developing their own ideas and then seeing those ideas become physical objects.
The camp concluded with students printing their finished designs on a 3D printer.
