Handling Heat

Overview

In this activity, groups of 4-5 students will collaboratively design, build, test and modify a series of 3D printed containers that minimize heat loss, or maximize cool temperatures for a given volume of liquid.

Duration: Up to (2) 40-minute sessions (modify as needed)

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Group or Individual: Group

Learning Goals

By the end of the lesson students will:

• Investigate how evaporation and condensation impact the volume of liquid in a container
• Work collaboratively to critically and creatively solve the design problem
• Imagine and create a design meeting specifications and constraints
• Communicate using scientific vocabulary when conferencing in small/large groups
• Utilize mathematical calculations accurately to build a 3D printed concept
• Apply scientific principles of hypothesis, experimentation, analysis and repetition
• Create an aesthetically pleasing design that can maintain the temperature of a liquid

Materials

• 3D Printer filament for printing (and scheduled time on the printer)
• scrap cardboard or cardstock for initial prototypes
• plasticine for initial prototypes
• hot glue gun/gluesticks
• 3D printer such as the Cubicon Single+
• slicing software such as Cubicreator or Simplify3D
• licensed CAD software such as Fusion 360, Inventor, TinkerCAD or SolidWorks
• computer and mouse for each student or group for CAD design

Prerequisite Skills

• Familiarity with TinkerCAD or other 3D printing software