How Can I Showcase Local History Through 3D Printing?

Hello, everyone. My name is Dennis Henderson and I currently teach at Fort Campbell High School in Fort Campbell, KY. However, when this project was created, I taught Cyber Literacy, Robotics and US History at Southwood High School in Shreveport, LA to all grade levels.

In my Cyber Literacy course, I wanted a opportunity for my students to further develop their skills in CAD modeling but wanted to mix in my other passion, history. More specifically, local history which is often overlooked in our educational settings.

Few of our students know the origins or histories behind their community, but learning the stories of a region’s past can change the way they think about the present and help prepare them for the future. Looking into (add your location) history, students will discover the histories behind the names and places they've passed by their entire life without ever giving it a second thought. And, (add your location) is filled with them. 

Above all, studying local history can fill students with the knowledge that history is all around them. They don’t need to visit far-off places to see reflections of the past because their own community contains a rich history. Learning about local history can help them realize that the grand scheme of historical change is made up of countless individuals like them and those around them. Without a doubt, those stories contain fascinating information, which is worth finding and preserving.

Their challenge is guided by the driving question, "How can I showcase a piece of local history through 3D printing?" Using research, the knowledge gained through the TinkerCAD tutorials, and the driving question, students will create a 3D model that encompasses some aspect of historical significance to (add your location). 

Afterward, the student will write up a report of their project that should include the following:

• A brief history of the local historical event, person, or place from (add your location).
• Rationale behind the students choice of a historical event, person, or place, and why and how they will choose to retell its story through 3D printing.
• A reflection of your challenges in the design process, from the concept drawing to the printed model. 

ISTE Standards for Students; 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.6

Time: 4-6 Days

• Computer with Internet Access
• Computer Mouse
• Autodesk TinkerCAD or Fusion 360
• PLA
• 3D Printer
• Paper
• Colored Pencils or Pens

To start, students will perform research on their local community to discover any interest. It can be on a person, place, or an historical event that took place in their community. As the project facilitator, you should provide students with starting options to their research by listing a variety of articles and videos pertaining to your communities local history. Students are not limited to the resources listed and should be encouraged to corroborate with outside credible sources.

(Examples of great articles and videos to help students start their research in Shreveport, LA)

• "Clearing the RedLinks to an external site.
• " by Marguerite R. Pummer and Gary D. Joiner
• "Shreveport: A Brief HistoryLinks to an external site.
• " by Eric J. Brock
• "Scenes of Shreveport Now and Then (YouTube Video)" Links to an external site.
• by Twin Blends Photography.
• "Shreveport Municipal Auditorium Tour: Past and Present" (YouTube)"Links to an external site.
•  by Visit Shreveport/Bossier
• "Black History Tour through Shreveport (YouTube)"Links to an external site.
•  by Channel 6 News
• "Uncover Historic Places in Shreveport-BossierLinks to an external site.
• " by Louisiana's Other Side.

Next, have students grab color pencils or use a digital platform and develop sketches of their historical finding for CAD Modeling and 3D Printing. Sketches should include the model from three or more views (ex, front, side, top). Once drawn, have your students think of their models measurements to accommodate the available 3D Printer by scaling their project.

(Examples attached)

Working from their scaled sketches, they'll generate a model using CAD design software of their choice. Examples, Autodesk TinkerCAD or Fusion 360.

As they work on their CAD model, walk around the room checking on their progress and provide any constructive feedback about their model, if necessary. Additionally, ask probing questions to help them define the reason for their selection in retelling a part of their communities local history.

***This portion of the project will take the majority of your time, at least two to three class periods.

(Attached is a great 9 minute tutorial for beginners in TinkerCAD by Skills Factory)

Now that they've created a sketch and CAD'ed it up, its time to 3D print their model. 3D printers can be challenging to use for beginners. So, remind them to have a bit of patience and a high tolerance for failure and they'll go a long way in this process.

***Common issues for 3D print failures: bed-adhesion, under extrusion, over extrusion, stringing, and overheating. Check out this link to help resolve those issues if they arise, themechninja.com

Now that they've researched, sketched out their design, created a CAD model, and 3D printed out their model, it's time for the students last step, reflection and reporting. Have each student compose the following:

• Write out a brief history of the local historical event, person, or place from (your location).
• Include the rationale behind their choice of a historical event, person, or place, and why and how they will chose to retell its story through 3D printing.
• Then provide a reflection of your challenges in the design process, from the concept drawing to the printed model.

If time allows, students should provide a Show-and-Tell to the classmates with their 3D Printed model providing the contents listed above.

Once everything is completed, its now time for the teacher to assess the project. What better way than the use of a Rubric, which I call "A Guide to an A." After introducing the project, finish up by going over the rubric and provide students with your expectations.