Students will understand the basic principles of computer-aided design and engineering by using 3D printing technology to create a functional ulu / tlaabaas handle.

Alaska Computer Science Standards

3.CS.D.01 Define how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks (e.g., input, output, processor, sensors, and storage).

5.CS.D.01 Define, discuss, and model how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks (e.g., input, output, processor, sensors, and storage).

7.CS.D.01 Review, analyze, and evaluate device(s) and how other users interact with devices and recommend improvements to design.

Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools

B. Culturally-knowledgeable students are able to build on the knowledge and skills of the local cultural community as a foundation from which to achieve personal and academic success throughout life.

2. make effective use of the knowledge, skills and ways of knowing from their own cultural traditions to learn about the larger world in which they live;

&

E. Culturally-knowledgeable students demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the relationships and processes of interaction of all elements in the world around them. 

4. determine how ideas and concepts from one knowledge system relate to those derived from other knowledge systems; 

• Prusa Mini 3D printer

• Filament for 3D printing

• Student laptops: Google Chromebook, Apple MacBook, or Windows PC

• CAD software (such as Tinkercad or Fusion 360)

• Ruler or measuring tape

• For information on how to setup and operate the Prusa Mini 3D Printer, please visit the Prusa Research site, located here:

https://help.prusa3d.com/downloads/mini-2/handbook

• General safety guidelines for the Prusa Mini 3D printer include:

1. Keep the printer in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes from the melted filament.

2. Keep the printer and its cables away from flammable materials.

3. Do not touch the hot end of the printer or any parts that may be hot.

4. Be careful when removing a print from the build plate, as the build plate and the print may still be hot.

5. Do not touch the filament or the spool while it is being fed into the printer.

6. If you notice any strange noises or smells, immediately turn off the printer and inspect it before using it again.

7. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and cleaning of the printer.

Lesson One (90 to 120 Minutes or split between multiple 45 minute sessions)

• Opening Question: "How are tools traditionally made? How might technology change these methods?"

  • Allow time for students to discuss possible answers to this question. Make a place-based connection to wood / antler (or bone) carving and ulu / tlaabaas knives.

• Introduce the ulu, a traditional Alaska Native knife used for various tasks such as skinning and preparing food. For the Koyukuk river valley, the ulu is called the tlaabaas. Many images of ulus are available online, all with differing handle types and configurations. If a hands-on sample handle is available, it can also work as a great demonstration piece (ensure the blade is removed and kept from the school, however).

• Explain the basic concepts of computer-aided design (CAD) and how it can be used to create functional objects: everything from prototypes, jewelry, prosthetic limbs, and ulu/tlaabaas handles!

• Have students use a measuring tape or ruler to determine the measurements of their design. How wide will the handle have to be? How thick should it be? What space will be required to fit a blade? What hardware will be used to hold the blade into place? Students may be provided hardware before hand, such as M3x20 bolts, to simplify the process. 

• Students will need to use a design program to develop their 3D printed design. A free online utility that provides this is Tinkercad by Autodesk. Students will have to create an account on the website with their student email address. Once set up, the students will have a design page similar to the one shown below.

• Once their account is completed, students will create their ulu/tlaabaas design by clicking on the "+ New" button and selecting "3D Design". This will bring up the design screen interface. The name for the design is auto-generated by Tinkercad ("Mighty Leelo-Blad" in the example below). This can be modified at any time.

• If students do not have experience with Tinkercad or 3D design software, they will need time to develop these skills as a separate introductory lesson, at minimum. The "Basic Shapes" on the right provide an adequate number of pieces that can be combined to create their design. Some brief notes:

  • When a shape is dragged onto the work plane, it can be kept as either a "solid" or as a "hole". 

  • The size of the object can be adjusted based on the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis indicators on the object; these are the black and white squares on the sides/corners of the object.

  • The object height can also be adjusted using the small black cone on top of the object.

  • Objects can be combined or dissociated by clicking on the "Group" (CTRL + G) and "Ungroup" (CTRL + SHIFT + G) buttons.

• An example ulu/tlaabaas handle, along with the object adjust sliders, is shown below.

• Kiri:Moto can export this file as a 3D printer-ready ".gcode" file. Select "Start" and choose "Export", bringing up the export window. Here, students can modify the file name and then download the .gcode file to their "Downloads" folder.

• Finally, transfer the .gcode file to a USB flash drive in order to upload the design to the Prusa Mini 3D Printer.

• Observe students during the design process to assess for understanding.

• Have students self-assess whether or not their handle is functional and matches the correct dimensions of their initial design. If not, what adjustments need made?

• Various ulu/tlaabaas handle designs can be used in order to provide students with a range of design options or templates from which to choose. For instance, a handle could be as simple as a rectangle brick with two holes for screws/bolts. This can help students who may struggle with coming up with their own design.

• Students may be partnered up.

• The actual process of the 3D printer setup can be performed by the teacher.