3D Printing Chemical Structures
Design, edit and 3D print chemical structures - available to subscribers of The PrintLab Classroom
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In this 3 lesson project, students will learn how to design, edit and 3D print chemical structures using free software. The project involves an introduction to atoms and molecules before students split up into teams. Each team will be allocated a different molecule to research before 3D modelling and 3D printing the chemical structure. By 3D printing and having a tangible object, students can better visualise and understand the molecular world. In the final lesson of the project, each group will present their 3D printed model along with their research.
Curriculum Details
The lesson can be incorporated into the study of science and can be adapted for ages 8-16. The curriculum is aligned to NGSS, CCSS and UK National Curriculum standards. A comprehensive list of standards met is included in the lesson platform.
Included Resources:
Design tutorial videos in Avogadro (hosted on PrintLab's student portal)
STL creation tutorial videos in PMV software (hosted on PrintLab's student portal)
Self-Paced Learning Option
PrintLab's student portal is home to the online learning resources required for each of PrintLab’s lesson plans (CAD tutorial videos, explainer videos etc), but it is also structured in such a way that gives users the option to work through each project online in a self-paced manner without a teacher/instructor. The perfect solution for distance learning, 3D printing clubs, passion projects or self-paced learning at libraries and makerspaces.
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