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Principals of symmetry

In this lesson, you will learn about the different forms and classifications of symmetry. You will then progress to learn about the 7 primitive crystal systems, including how to classify them based on their features of symmetry. Next, you will need to research the tetragonal and hexagonal crystal systems before designing and modelling a hexagonal dipyramid for 3D printing. Finally, If you manage to master all that, the next step is to classify a real-world mineral by its crystal structure and model it.

Subjects: Design and TechnologyMathematicsScienceGeographyMasaryk University
Years | Grades: 8th Grade | 12-13 years9th Grade | 13-14 years10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years
Duration: Lesson 1: 90 minutes Lesson 2: 90 minutes Print time: ~ 50 minutes

Objectives

Design and measure with precision
Demonstrate how to align objects
Understand and execute the boolean operation in CAD
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the 7 Primitive Crystal Systems
Design and 3D print an example of a Hexagonal Dipyramid Crystal
Correctly classify real-world minerals by their Crystal system

Tools and equipment

Graph paper and pencils
Real-world Mineral examples

Skill requirements

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

Use TinkerCAD, Fusion 360 or Similar CAD software at a beginner level
Be comfortable using DeeControl2 software including adjusting print settings
Use the BE3D EDEE 3D printer

3D models overview

Total print time 46 hours 20 minutes
Total filament 295 m
Additional non-printable components
Printed all at once

TRICLINIC

3 hours 30 minutes
30 m

TETRAGONAL

3 hours 30 minutes
20 m

RHOMBIC

13 hours
100 m

MONOCLINIC

9 hours
54 m

HEXAGONAL

2 hours 15 minutes
15 m

DITRIGONAL

9 hours
67 m

CUBIC

1 hour
4 m

HEXAGONAL DIPYRAMID

1 hour 30 minutes
3 m

trigonal DIPYRAMID

2 hours 15 minutes
3.6 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

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