Lessons

A toy that stands

45 minutes. Students hand in a picture, from Export, then Save image, and the print file if your class prints.

Open in the studio

Before class

  • Put the class link on the board or in your class page.
  • If your class prints, press Export, then Print on one sculpt first and check the file opens in your slicer. It prints 60 mm tall.
  • Tell students that thin ears, tails and horns snap off a printed toy, so chunky wins.

Run it

5 minHold up two toys. Ask what you can tell about each from its outline alone.
10 minBlock out the body and head, then check Front, Side and Top.
10 minMake it stand, then thicken the thin parts.
10 minPaint with three colours at most.
5 minStand test: students show where the weight sits, and the class says if it would tip.
5 minSave a picture, and the print file if you print.

Student steps

  1. Pick a toy that fits in a hand, like a sleepy dumpling knight. Say it in four words.
  2. Block it out in one colour with Shapes: the body first, then the head.
  3. Open View and check Front, Side and Top. Fix the view that is dull.
  4. Make it stand: widen the feet, or add a flat Cylinder under them. The head must sit over the base.
  5. Find the thinnest parts: ears, a tail, a horn. Thicken each until it looks chunky.
  6. Press Paint and give it three colours at most.
  7. Press Export, then Save image. Hand in the picture.

Ask the class

  • Where is the heaviest part, and is it over the base?
  • Which part would snap first if you dropped it?