Birdhouse

This project requires students to design within a tight set of parameters. Students select a species of local nesting birds and then design and build a birdhouse suitable for their chosen species. They will have to research parameters such as opening sizes and locations, birdhouse placement, and communal vs individual housing preferences. They will design their chosen design in a 3D CAD program such as TinkerCAD before 3D printing it and installing their birdhouse in their local environment.
Subjects
Design and TechnologyScienceMathematicsComputingBiology
Years | Grades
7th Grade | 11-12 years8th Grade | 12-13 years9th Grade | 13-14 years10th Grade | 14-15 years
Duration
Lesson 1: 90 minutes Print time: ~ 12 hours + Lesson 2: 90 minutes

Birdhouse Trailer
Play 0:45

Objectives

  • Design and measure with precision to an accuracy of 0.1mm
  • Design and 3D print a birdhouse to meet the requirements of their chosen species
  • Demonstrate how to align and combine objects in 3D CAD software
  • Employ tolerances and offsets
  • Demonstrate the ability to split a design down into 3D printable elements
 

Tools and equipment

  • BE3D eDee printer and computer devices with CAD software
  • Example models
  • Files and sandpaper for post-processing operations (Optional)
  • PLA surface sealant (Optional)
  • Paint (Optional)
  • Wire or cord for hanging the birdhouse (Optional)
  • Webcam (Optional)
 

Skill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to:
  • Use TinkerCAD, Fusion 360 or Similar CAD software at an intermediate level
  • Be comfortable using DeeControl software including adjusting print settings
  • Use the BE3D eDee 3D printer

Birdhouse walkthrough
Locked 5:17

3D models overview

  • Total print time 75 hours 25 minutes
  • Total filament 308.6 m
  • Additional non-printable components
  • Printed all at once
BIRDHOUSE 1 BASE
  • 6 hours
  • 26.7 m
BIRDHOUSE 1 ROOF
  • 7 hours
  • 28.7 m
BIRDHOUSE 1 ENTRANCE
  • 30 minutes
  • 0.6 m
BIRDHOUSE 2 BASE
  • 5 hours 40 minutes
  • 23 m
BIRDHOUSE 2 FRONT
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
  • 5.9 m
BIRDHOUSE 2 ENTRANCE
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
  • 2.4 m
BIRDHOUSE 3 BASE
  • 4 hours 30 minutes
  • 18.6 m
BIRDHOUSE 3 TOP
  • 4 hours 30 minutes
  • 18.3 m
BIRDHOUSE 4 BASE
  • 10 hours
  • 44.3 m
BIRDHOUSE 4 TOP
  • 14 hours 30 minutes
  • 46.1 m
BIRDHOUSE 4 ENTRANCE
  • 1 hour
  • 1.2 m
BIRDHOUSE 5 BASE
  • 8 hours 30 minutes
  • 43.9 m
BIRDHOUSE 5 TURRET
  • 8 hours 30 minutes
  • 43.9 m
BIRDHOUSE 5 CAP
  • 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 9 m
Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

  • Lesson plan
  • Example models
  • Worksheet
  • Walkthrough
  • Presentation
  • 3D models
  • 3D print instructions
  • Curriculum alignment