Algorithm Art Workshop

3D printing in art

After learning how 3D printing is used for art and sculpture, students design, code and 3D print mathematical mandalas, then construct a 3D printed mobile sculpture.

This cross-curricular workshop combines Computing, Art, Design Technology and Maths at KS2 and KS3 and is suitable for students in Year 5 to Year 7. At the end of the workshop, each student will have a mathematical mandala 3D printed from their own design.

This workshop:

Runs for half a day*
With a maximum of 30 students
2½ – 3hrs to work around individual school day timings

From £300 for a half day workshop (dependent upon location of school).

OVERVIEW

This workshop provides:

A complete project around a mobile sculpture topic.
Resources fully mapped to the relevant curriculum areas.
A copy of all the workshop resources, enabling you to run the workshop with other groups of students in the future.
Potential to take advantage of the CREATE Education 3D printer loan scheme.
A 3D print of each student’s mandala design.

During the workshop’s students will:

Learn how 3D printers work.
Discover some of the applications of 3D printing.
Design and create their own 3D model.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Planned Learning Experiences

In this workshop students will:

Learn how 3D printers work and how they can produce 3D object.
Understand the 3-stage 3D printing process (model-slice-print).
Use blocks programming software (Beetleblocks) to write simple programmes contain repeat loops to create mathematical shapes.
Program a mathematic mandala design.
See how a 3D model file is prepared for 3D printing using slicing software.
Assemble their 3D printed mandalas into a collaborative mobile sculpture (post workshop).
Complete a workshop evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

Mandala code including examples of sequence and repetition.
Mandala code demonstrating knowledge of angular rotation and calculation of position and angles within different shapes.
A 3D printed mandala.
A 3D mobile sculpture produced as a group containing examples of each student’s work.
Project evaluation.

Key concepts and terminology

Additive manufacturing
3D modelling
Slicing
3D printing
CAD (computer aided design)
CAM (computer aided manufacturing)
Algorithms
Sequence
Repetition
Loops
Machine Code

CURRICULUM LINKS

KS2 Computing POS

To apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies.
To design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling physical systems.
To use sequence and repetition in programs.
To work with various forms of output.
To use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
To use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs and content.

KS2 Art POS

To develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.
To improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including sculpture with a range of materials.

KS2 Design Technology POS

To develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
To build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
To generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through computer-aided design.
To use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, shaping], accurately.
To evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
To apply their understanding of computing to program their products.