Become an Einstein, one step at a time
Age range
9-13
Skill level
Beginner
Objectives
Stimulate imagination and creativity in design for digital fabrication
Learn the basic concepts of 3d and 3d models, solids and slices
Learn the basic concepts of laser cutting and 3d printing
Optional: Introduce a simple software tool for slicing 3d models (Slicer for Fusion 360 with active Autodesk account)
Background knowledge and competences
none
Duration of the activity
60 to 90 minutes
Material and equipment needed
Lasercut puzzle parts, 3d printed model or a computer screen to show the solution
Optional: computer with Slicer for Fusion 360
Activity Plan
The tutor shows a 3D model previously printed or shows it on a screen using a 3D visualizer.
[The use of static screenshots images or paper prints is not recommended, as this way of visualizing give no perception of the physical model.]
Lasercut pieces are scattered on a table. The pieces are etched with a number, but the solution it’s not sequential! The tutor will be provided of the final solution sequence of random numbers.wi
Set the vertical dowel with the first layer from the bottom
Ask the participants to build the object
Hints to solve the puzzle:
As the tutor is provided with the solution of the sliced puzzle, he should place the first pieces in order to encourage and give a clue to kids.
The numbers and symbols engraved on the pieces should always face up.
Parts of similar dimensions will go together.
As the slices are regular, there won’t be large differences from one slice to the next one.
Kids have to look with attention to 3d model and understand when the model goes from large to narrow and the opposite.
A suggestion is to start from easy, recognizable parts and then connect the parts together with the remaining slices. Just like is common to solve a jigsaw puzzle, when you start from the corners and/or from a clear area of the image.
Follow-up to the activity
How to slice the 3d model with Slicer for Fusion 360.
Steps:
Download an install Slicer for Fusion 360.
We prepared a smaller and easier to process 3d model. Import the Einstein simplified model or:
Download the 3D model Einstein bust from Thingiverse . Just the file “EinsteinBustTongue.stl” is needed. The file is quite big, it will probably need a powerful computer
Import the 3d model EinsteinBustTongue.stl in Slicer
Set the units to mm
Set the desired size for the model. We suggest minimum 10cm height
Choose the desired sheet format in Manufacturing Settings
Choose the Construction Technique Stacked slices
In manufacturing settings click on the small gear icon in order to see the advanced options at the bottom of the screen:
Set the material thickness to the one you wish to use. Slot offset is usually 0.010 for most laser cutters.
Set the dowels, choose “cross”: setting two dowels makes the puzzle easier, as the slices will be unable to rotate and their orientation will be defined by the dowels.
Resources
Slicer for Fusion 360 download link
Original 3D model on Thingiverse
Model for Slicer (resized and with parameters set)
Files for laser cutting with encrypted numbers
Number sequence solution