🎯 Learning Intention

Today I will learn how a 3D design moves from CAD to a slicer and begin exploring how that process fits into the Systems Design Process.

✅ Success Criteria

I can describe what a slicer does and connect it to the “Design → Prototype” step of the Systems Design Process.

🌍 Why Are We Learning This?

Every system has steps. Just like an IT system has inputs, processes, and outputs, a 3D printer has its own design cycle. Knowing the process makes you a better problem solver and creator.

🧠 Warm-Up – Tech Journal Prompt

💡 “What step in making something is the hardest for you — coming up with the idea, building it, or fixing mistakes? Why?”

📚 Word of the Day

Prototype

Definition: A first version of a design used to test an idea.

Sentence: “We printed a prototype of the keychain to see if it was the right size.”

Why it matters: Prototypes let you test and improve before the final build.

📣 Formative Lecture & Guided Discussion

• Recap ideaMaker demo from Monday.
• Map the Systems Design Process onto 3D printing:

  • Define → What problem/need is the design solving?

  • Design → Build in TinkerCAD.

  • Prototype → Slice + preview in ideaMaker.

  • Test → Print, refine.

  • Implement → Final print.

    ✅ CFU #1: “Which step do you think takes the most patience?”