CLASS OVERVIEW
This is a 3d Printing class targeted at 9-13 year old homeschoolers. We will be using my Original Prusa i3 MK3 printer for the class with the intent of giving the kids an introduction to 3d Printing.
COMMUNICATION
I plan to communicate with the class via Webex Teams. This is a free team messaging platform that has clients available across all types of devices, and will allow us to discuss projects, timing, updates to schedules, as well as share pictures and videos of how the prints are coming out during the week. All you need is an email, and you can get a free account at teams.webex.com. Everyone in the class will be in a large private invitation only chat group, and you are welcome to join the chat room along with your kid(s) in the class.
COSTS
There is no cost for the class, although if you want to offer a donation to help with the supplies, I won’t refuse it!
AGES
I’m targeting this first class to between 10 and 14. Boys and girls both welcome!
SPECIAL NOTE
We will be on the internet for portions of the class, with all the good and bad the Internet brings. In my time on Thingiverse I’ve stumbled on some nude print designs, but the site appears to try to block viewing them until you are signed in on an account. I tested creating an account, and it does not block images once you have an account, but it does confirm that you want to view NSFW images. If you are not willing for your kids to be online due to this risk, then the beta class would not be a good fit. We will be having an open discussion during the first session about what is appropriate and not appropriate to view. If there is enough demand, I could try to tweak the class to not use the Internet, however this beta class *will* be using Internet content.
MATERIALS
- If you are able to bring a laptop for the class (PC or Mac), that can be used during class, that would be helpful. I have computers enough to handle 4 people without their own laptop however, so just check with me if you don’t have one to bring.
- I will supply the rest of whatever is needed including the filament, and any screws/magnets/etc. needed for the final project.
- If you would like to do some research, the 3d Printer we’ll be using for the class is an Original Prusa i3 MK3 printer (hopefully with the MK3S upgrade by the time the class starts).
SOFTWARE
- Chrome browser for managing the printer and for downloading files
- We will introduce students to some sites that host design files including pinshape.com, all3dp.com, and thingiverse.com. We will focus use on thingiverse.com
- We will use free “Slicing” software from Prusa3d called “PrusaControl”. This will need to be installed on laptops and both PC and Mac versions are available. If we want to get fancy we can try “Slic3rPE” or Slicer Prusa Edition which is a more advanced version of PrusaControl.
- We will use free “design” software from AutoDesk called “TinkerCad”. This application is run in a web browser and does not need to be installed.
- Everyone will be using an open source software package called “OctoPrint” that I use to manage my printer
- I will have guest wifi available at the house that you can connect your laptop to.