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Rubber Band Plane

In this 2 part lesson, students work in groups to design and 3D print wings and horizontal stabilizers for a rubber band-powered plane.
During the first lesson, students are introduced to basic theory of flight principles and simple aerofoil designs. The aircraft design challenge is then introduced and students are provided the fuselage and propeller assembly for their plane. Students must decide on the style of wing, designing and printing a 3D model of the components.
During the second lesson, students assemble and test their designs. A teacher-led class discussion evaluates the different designs, considers what was learned, and what improvements could be made if the students were to design and print again.

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

Objectives

Know the different types of aircraft wing designs
Understand the fundamentals of flight
Use TinkerCAD® software to design a rubber band plane optimized for 3D printing
Design and manufacture a rubber band plane capable of flight

Tools and equipment

BE3D eDee 3D printer
Set of example models
Internet-enabled computer and TinkerCAD®
Paper pad and pencil
Printed lesson resources

Skill requirements

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

Develop their own idea for the cast
Use TinkerCAD or similar CAD software at a beginner level
Enter the correct 3D print settings in DeeControl layering software
Use the BE3D eDee 3D printer

3D models overview

Total print time 4 hours
Total filament 7 m
Additional non-printable components
Printed all at once

Rubber Band Plane

4 hours
7 m

Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

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

This is a premium 3D lesson plan. Premium content is available to licensed YSoft BE3D eDee users. Become a licensed YSoft BE3D eDee user.

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