Cress Heads

Cress is a plant with small green leaves that is used in salads or to as a food garnish. When grown in a small pot or container, the cress resembles ‘green hair’ which is where the idea of ‘cress heads’ originates. In this lesson, students will be learning about cress and cress heads before designing their own cress head model suitable for 3D printing.
Subjects
Design and TechnologyComputingMathematicsScience
Years | Grades
7th Grade | 11-12 years8th Grade | 12-13 years9th Grade | 13-14 years10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years
Duration
Lesson 1: 90 minutes Print Time: ~4 hours

Cress Heads trailer
Play 0:38

Objectives

  • Use TinkerCAD® software to design a ‘Cress Head’ optimized for 3D printing
  • Observe and describe how seeds grow into mature plants
  • Explore the requirements of life and growth in plants
 

Tools and equipment

  • BE3D eDee printer
  • Set of example models
  • An internet-enabled computer and TinkerCAD
  • Paper pad and pencil
  • Printed lesson resources
  • Cress seeds
  • Cotton wool balls
  • Acrylic paints (Optional)
  • Paint brush (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

Cress Heads walkthrough
Locked Play 7:29

3D models overview

  • Total print time 18 hours 30 minutes
  • Total filament 45.9 m
  • Additional non-printable components
  • Printed all at once
CRESS HEAD 1
  • 4 hours
  • 7.7 m
CRESS HEAD 2
  • 4 hours
  • 9.6 m
CRESS HEAD 3
  • 6 hours
  • 16.5 m
CRESS BEAR
  • 4 hours 30 minutes
  • 12.1 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