The Learning Platform
The project learning platform takes you through the full design process using a variety of media - from explainer/case study videos and Tinkercad/Fusion 360 3D design tutorials to design method instructions and more.
Project Upcycle
In this project, you will be combining waste materials with 3D printed forms to create unique upcycled products. After learning about upcycling, you’ll use a design method called a ‘photo diary’ to document materials you throw away. You’ll then select one that has the most design potential and take this forward to explore product ideas. Through an iterative process, your upcycled product will be brought to life. View the project details below and start a free trial to PrintLab today!
Project Difficulty
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This project is rated as intermediate and is suitable for all those who have moderate-strong skills in 3D design and 3D printing.
Project Length
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The estimated project length is 6 hours, excluding any 3D printing time. This estimate includes designing and making 1 upcycled product plus time for testing and creating 1 improved version. The project can be run in shorter or longer periods of time depending on the number of iterations you choose to make. We recommend breaking the project up into multiple sessions (e.g. 6 x 1 hour sessions), which will allow you to 3D print necessary objects between sessions.
Equipment Required
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To participate in this project, you will require:
- A laptop or computer with either Tinkercad or Fusion 360 software (both free for educational and personal use).
- A software or web application to create a digital portfolio. We recommend using Google Slides as we provide a portfolio template in this format.
- Access to a 3D printer and 3D printing material.
- Waste materials (E.g. packaging, wood offcuts, waste plastic etc.)
- A device to capture images of your design process to insert into the project portfolio.
Additional materials may be required depending on the design methods you use when developing your solution.
The Portfolio
As you move through each stage of the project, we guide you in filling in a Google Slides template to document your design process - resulting in a beautiful and professional portfolio of work.
The Outcome
Our teaching methodology is focused around creative freedom. By using various research, design and evaluation methods, you'll learn how to create an upcycled product that's completely unique!
Teacher Resources
With our education licenses, you can generate a share link to give your students access to the project learning platform. Each section of the platform also has a teacher instructions tab, which provides you with step-by-step lesson plan instructions, curriculum alignment resources and an assessment rubric.
Ready to Get Started?
This project is available to subscribers of PrintLab. Learn more about our license options and start a free trial today to access a whole range of resources across the fields of 3D printing, 3D design, assistive technology, product design and STEM.
Start a Free Trial to PrintLab