3D Printing–Learn by Building

X. Chen

A. Wentworth

UConn 2016 fall

Summary

  • “3D Printing: Learn by Building” 2016:
    • introduces the principles in 3D printing. Maker Faire 2014
    • offers a hybrid learning experience that focuses on the mechatronics and design of 3D printing machines.

Format

  • This is a flended (flipped+blended) class
    • flipped: some lecture and homework assignments are reversed
    • blended: some online contact displaces some portion of the face-to-face class

You will do:

12 high-school teachers built 5 3D printers within 3 hours (2016 UConn Joule Fellows Program)
12 high-school teachers built 5 3D printers within 3 hours (2016 UConn Joule Fellows Program)

learn:

 

and use:

 

with a goal of making:

 

 

and more importantly, to develop creative thinking about the involved sciences and engineering.

New York Times (future) ad on Nov. 11, 2014
New York Times (future) ad on Nov. 11, 2014

Organizations

  • in-class learning:
    • focus on technology and knowledge
  • online module:
    • focus on developing a mindset of creativity
    • in collaboration with University of New Haven and Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN)
  • contextual learning:
    • extensive hands-on activities—you will build 3D printers and participate in a design competition

Blended learning

  • course website: http://wp.handson3d.engr.uconn.edu
  • announcement and modules: huskyCT (lms.uconn.edu)
  • pre-class reading assignments
    • watching videos
    • online “creative thinking” modules
  • post-class assignments
    • CAD design
    • assembling
    • creativity tests
  • in-class quizzes
  • more details in syllabus

Online e-learning module

KEEN learning module on creative thinking
KEEN learning module on creative thinking

Kit building and design competition

 

Kit building and design competition

  • work in teams of 3 to 5
  • final design competition at the Student Union
  • evaluation metrics:
    • Kit Building
    • Modeling & Creativity
    • Technical Competence

Grades

  • Participation: 5%
  • In-class and online quizzes: 15%
  • Homework: (5*3%=)15%
  • 3D printing kit building: 15%
  • Design competition: 30%
  • Presentation and report: 20%

 

There will be rewards

  • opportunity to obtain a Solidworks certificate
  • winning team will receive an honorary plaque

 

It will be different

  • there will be times that we encourage/need you to use computers in class
  • some online contact will displace some portion of the face-to-face class

Instructors

  • Prof. Xu Chen, Mechanical Engineering
    • Office: UTEB 382
    • Phone: (860) 486-3688
    • Email: xchen AT uconn.edu
    • Office Hour: Wednesday 1:00pm-2:00pm
  • Adam Wentworth, Materials Science and Engineering
    • Office: ENGR II 303
    • Phone: (860) 639-6961
    • Email: adam.wentworth AT uconn.edu
    • Office Hour: Monday 2:00pm-3:00pm

Teaching Assistants

 

  • Leslie Prunier (leslie.prunier@uconn.edu)
    • Office Hour: Mon (12:00pm-3:15pm), Wed (3:30pm-5:00pm), Thur (9:30am-2:30pm) (tentative location: Homer Babbidge Library, 3D Printing Studio)
  • Stephen Hawes (stephen.hawes@uconn.edu)
    • Office Hour: Mon-Wed (8:00am-12:00pm) (tentative location: Homer Babbidge Library, 3D Printing Studio)

What’s next

  • complete pre survey in huskyCT
  • form teams by Week 2