Integrating 3D

The incorporation of 3D printing should be part of an overall integration of Science, Math and English learning outcomes into a unit which should encapsulate the learning required by the curriculum by fulfilling your LO specifications with a program of study in which the students can become immersed in the topic. It should provide a structure that provides the children with a concept of why they are studying the topic as well as illustrating the interconnectedness of their areas of learning.

The volcano project provides an opportunity to integrate many aspects of the curriculum. Information about the volcano will initially come from the Smithsonian pop up that has been included in Google Earth. A KML file from the Smithsonian site is installed into google earth which then gives a visual representation of all volcanoes around the globe. When an student clicks on one of them, relevant data pops up with further links to more sources. The scientific facts are useful but there are many other aspects that can then be drawn in.

Our first operation will let them create a 3D volcano as part of Science. The 3D print of the volcano will form the culmination of their study and investigation of a volcano of their choice as part of their English integration. They will also learn how to model the shape of a volcano using 3D CAD software (TinkerCad) as part of their math integration.

You will get them to select a volcano, in small groups, and using a terrain map program, they will effectively screen capture an “image” of it which will be printed. We will attempt to get them to manipulate the image prior to printing to include a vent and magma chambers. Further to this we will use the 3D creation software to create a simple 3D volcano from cones, cylinders and spheres. This will be helping to fulfill the math LO’s.

Your volcano stats:

Height above sea level
Last eruption & timeline of eruptions.
Country
Distance from your home town
Type of volcano
Latitude; longitude
Closest town/city
How dangerous is it
What kind of eruption could occur.

English

Describe the life living near an active volcano
Prepare a list of things you would take if you were given 24 hours to evacuate and could only take one large suitcase that you could carry (no wheels) can try some lifting tests (max 30kg)
Write an evacuation plan (procedural text) for a research scientist studying your volcano.
Does the name have a special meaning?
Are there alternate names?
What are the local traditional explanations for the existence of the volcano – myths, legends, explanations? (e.g. Japan's oldest recorded story claims that Fuji means immortality (fushi, 不死 ). According to the legend, Mount Fuji's fires were ignited by an Emperor who was love sick over a girl from the moon.)
How long have people lived there?
Would you consider climbing, or visiting this volcano.
Why did you choose this volcano.

Math

3D objects, names, volume, angles,
slope of the volcano, reproduced in 3D object, using measurement tool in Google earth to calculate average slope, the matching that in printed model.
Distance around the earth to the volcano
timelines of eruptions, duration
Prediction and statistics

Science