For Teachers and Facilitators

Teachers/Makerspace keepers/Librarians Frequently Asked Questions

Why participate in this project? The standards for technological literacy developed by the International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) call for instruction in design and the use of new technologies. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)have an engineering component. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has student standards under knowledge construction: Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.

When will this challenge be available? From Monday, January 14^th to May 6^th. Participation can happen at any time, but requests will be filled every Monday night starting at 8pm CST (GMT –6:00).

Can I submit files sooner? Yes, but the first file exchange will happen January 14^th. Requests can be sent any time of the week, just filled on Monday Nights

How do I make it work in my classroom? Work within your current classroom setup, as a additional station, a group challenge competition, or an extension activity.

What concepts do students need/use to complete this project? Instructors can combine cryptography (the study of clues and codes), along with any design curriculum. You are encouraged to talk about universal design processes.

Do my students need to print out their Mystery Cubes? No, but it’s much more fun if they do! The creators envision students watching a Mystery Cube while it’s being printed and guessing where it’s from as clues develop. It's also a good idea to print out designs before you submit so you can see errors or improvements

How do I protect the student’s privacy? You will submit all STL files on behalf of the students to the moderator, who will keep teacher’s individual emails private. Teachers may be emailed a survey about the evaluation of the program or continuity for next year. Designs will be screened for school appropriate content.

Who else is participating? Participants will be recruited globally. Students should use deductive reasoning from a global point of view- using clues to learn about other areas of the world. We have over 50 cube submissions from 7+ countries.

Are the time frames for implementation flexible? Yes. This project/challenge is designed for individualization. For example, students may take several weeks to create a design, or if students need more than a week to generate a guess, that’s fine too. You don’t have reveal until your team is ready.

How could Libraries use it?

Many students may want to print an object but have difficulty coming up with an idea to print. This project provides an opportunity to create an object with an incentive to complete it.

It can serve as an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of 3D printing to the greater community- there are multiple options for deciphering challenges

How could a Makerspace use it?

As a introduction to 3D printing, or as a start to globally collaborate with other teachers. It can also be a task where instructors teach soft skills like collaboration and communication.

Other Questions?

Please email GlobalMystery3DPrint@gmail.com with the subject heading: General questions. Please keep in mind that this project is run by a busy Mom/Grad Student/Teacher, a few days leeway in response time is requested.