Unit 3: Inventions & Prototype Printing

Unit Overview

In this unit we learned about how innovative thinking changes the world. We started by doing some research on big projects and inventions that are happening right now, such as Google Loon. This invention’s goal is to bring the internet to places that do not currently have access. The hope of the project is that by giving everyone access to the internet it will bring positive change to the world. We then starting thinking about everyday inventions that exist. Some are small and some are big, but all bring some conveience or positive change to the person using them. I research and shared with the class an invention on zpibuds, which are earphones that you can zip up. During this part we worked on our presentation and sales pitch skills. Then I had to think of my own invention. I had three initial ideas, and narrowed it down to one. I decided to design a Forker, which is a Fork that you slide onto your finger. I first had to make sure I planned what I wanted the invention to look like, and most of all carefully planned all my measurements. After learning how to use a new 3D designing software called 123D Design, I began to design my invention. I had to print a couple of test prototypes before my final design functioned and was printed. I also added artistic elements so that it would be attractive for people to want to buy. At the end of the unit I presented my invention in front of the class, using good presentation and sales skills.

Enduring Understanding

How can innovation change the world in a positive way?

Innovation make people’s lives easier. When people create inventions, they are solving a problem - big or small.

Why is this revision process important and how do we use revision in our design process?

Reflection on Progress Towards the Standards

Area(s) of Strength

Throughout this unit, I got used to 3D printing by myself. I know every step I have to do to 3D print now (unless something is really weird and then I have to ask for help). So whenever I finished designing one of my forks, I could print it without having to interrupt anyone else.

Another strength during the unit, was that I was able to identify the problems with my forks easily - even if I wasn’t able to solve them 100% as easily. Because of this, I would immediately know what I had to change to my fork before printing it again, although sometimes I would exceed the measurements.

Area(s) for Improvement

I had a hard time coming up with an invention, since almost everything has already been invented. The fact that it had to be something you could 3D print also limited my imagination.

I also had a hard time getting the measurements right. First I did the hole for the finger too small. Then, it was still too small, even though I had made it a bit bigger. After that, I made it too big. Finally, I did one that was a good size for everyone in my class. But if I had put more thinking into the measurements at the beginning, I would have saved up a lot of time and energy and plastic.