Bee Hotels with 3D Printing and Woodworking – SCOPES-DF
More Options

Lesson Details

Subjects
Design, Science
Age Ranges
14-18,
Fab Tools
3D Printer, CNC Router, Hand Tools, Power Tools,
Author
Pieter Verduijn

You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.

Author

Pieter Verduijn
Pieter Verduijn
K-12 teacher
Born in the Netherlands, Pieter Verduijn is a multilingual educator with 18 years of work experience in Dutch, Aruban, and American education systems. His colleagues refer to him as the “Jack of all trades” as he combines his talents in… Read More

Summary

This five-lesson plan aims to engage 9th and 10th-grade students in creating bee-friendly spaces on the school campus by designing and building functional bee hotels. The project combines 3D printing with woodworking skills, encouraging students to explore the intersection of technology and traditional craftsmanship.

What You'll Need

Materials List:

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Bee Ecology and Importance:

  • Presentation materials on bees and pollination.
  • Collaboration with the biology class for a joint session.

Lesson 2: Introduction to 3D Printing and Tinkercad:

  • Computers or laptops with internet access.
  • Tinkercad accounts for each student (free to sign up at Tinkercad).
  • Access to a 3D printer (Creality or similar) for demonstration purposes.

Lesson 3: Woodworking Basics and Project Planning:

  • Safety equipment: goggles, gloves, ear protection.
  • Woodworking tools: saws, hammers, nails, sandpaper.
  • Wood boards for practice cuts and assembling prototypes.

Lesson 4: 3D Printing and Makerspace Work:

  • Access to 3D printers (Creality or similar) for each student.
  • Filament for 3D printers (PLA recommended).
  • Mounting materials for bee hotels (e.g., screws, brackets).

Lesson 5: Finishing and Installation:

  • Additional woodworking materials for final assembly.
  • Installation materials based on chosen locations (screws, wall mounts, poles).
  • Reflective materials for documenting progress and reflections.

 

Additional Resources and Inspiration:

 

Attachment:

  • Evaluation Rubric

 

Lesson Materials

The Instructions

Lesson 1: Introduction to Bee Ecology and Importance

In this introductory session, students delve into the vital role of bees in ecosystems. A brief presentation outlines the significance of pollination and the impact of declining bee populations. Collaborating with the biology class enhances understanding, setting the stage for a project aimed at creating a bee-friendly environment on the school campus.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage:

  • Begin the lesson by welcoming students and explaining the importance of the project – creating bee-friendly spaces on the school campus.
  • Objective: Set the context for understanding the significance of bees in ecosystems.

 

2. Brief Presentation:

  • Use visual aids such as slides or videos to present key information about bees, pollination, and the ecological role of bees.
  • Resource: Incorporate visuals from The Importance of Bees in the Environment.
  • Discussion Points: The role of bees in pollination.
  • The impact of declining bee populations on ecosystems.
  • The interconnectedness of bees with other organisms.

3. Collaboration with Biology Class:

  • Arrange for a joint session with the biology class to deepen the understanding of the ecological context.
  • Activity: Collaborative discussion on the biology of bees and their habitats.
  • Q&A session to address any questions or concerns.
  • Resource: Why Bees Are Important.

 

4. Reflection and Discussion:

  • Facilitate a class discussion on the presented information.
  • Discussion Points: The importance of bees in food production.
  • The potential consequences of bee population decline.
  • Reflective Practice: Encourage students to jot down initial thoughts and questions for future reflection.

 

5. Assignment:

  • Assign a short research task for homework.
  • Task: Ask students to find examples of how communities, schools, or individuals have positively impacted bee populations.
  • Objective: Encourage independent research and critical thinking.

 

6. Conclusion:

  • Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
  • Homework Reminder: Remind students to prepare for the next session by completing the assigned research task.
  • Transition: Transition smoothly to the next lesson, emphasizing the practical application of their knowledge in the upcoming project.

 

Lesson 2: 3D Printing and Tinkercad Design

Students will design their bee structure in Tinkercad (Or OnScape of Fusion360 etc) Building upon existing Tinkercad skills, this lesson introduces advanced 3D printing concepts and intricate Tinkercad features. Students engage in a hands-on design session to create complex structures that seamlessly blend 3D printing with woodworking elements for their bee hotels. The lesson fosters a deeper understanding of design principles and encourages students to explore the full capabilities of Tinkercad.

1. Introduction to Advanced 3D Printing Concepts:

  • Begin the lesson by discussing advanced concepts in 3D printing, such as infill, layer height, and support structures.
  • Objective: Provide a deeper understanding of 3D printing parameters and settings.

 

2. Advanced Tinkercad Features:

  • Review the basic features of Tinkercad to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  • Introduce advanced features like custom shapes, alignment tools, and grouping for more intricate designs.
  • Resource: Advanced Tinkercad Tutorial.
  • Discussion Points: How to use custom shapes to create complex structures.
  • The importance of precise alignment for functional designs.