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Astronaut Toolkit

This is a 2-part lesson. In the first part, students are introduced to the brief history of 3D printing in space and ISS (International Space Station) equipment. The lesson challenges students to design their own screwdriver bit or wrench for an astronaut’s toolkit. They will print their design using the 3D printer.
A teacher-led class evaluation of the completed tools follows. Students test and evaluate their designs, discussing what has been learned, what improvements could be made, and what other tools might be useful to have on the International Space Station.

Subjects: Design and TechnologyMathematics
Years | Grades: 10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years12th Grade | 16-18 years13th Grade | 18-19 years
Duration: Lesson 1: 45 minutes Print time: ~ 20 minutes Lesson 2: 45 minutes

Objectives

Understand the challenges faced when 3D printing in micro-gravity
Design a set of tools suitable for use in micro-gravity environments
Manufacture a set of astronaut tools suitable for 3D printing

Tools and equipment

Each student workgroup needs:

Laptop/computer with mouse and internet access
Set of example bolt .STL files
Pen or pencil
Astronaut’s toolkit worksheet

Teacher needs:

3D printer and PLA filament
Laptop/computer with mouse, internet access and DeeControl layering software for the be3D eDee 3D printer
Set of example bolt and block .STL files

Class access to:

TinkerCAD®
DeeControl layering software
BE3D eDee 3D printer

Skill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to:

Use TinkerCAD or similar CAD software at an intermediate level
Enter the correct 3D print settings in DeeControl layering software
Use BE3D eDee 3D printer

3D models overview

Total print time 16 hours
Total filament 36 m
Additional non-printable components
Printed all at once

Universal screwdriver for bits

4 hours
6.3 m

Bolt block

7 hours
21 m

Outer hexagonal wrench

40 minutes
1.5 m

Bits

20 minutes
0.4 m

Bolts

15 minutes
0.29 m

Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

Lesson plan
Worksheet
Walkthrough
Walkthrough video
Presentation
3D models
3D print instructions
Curriculum Alignment: ISTE standard compliant

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