Tensegrity
Specifics: A Hands-On Exploration of Engineering Principles
Designing a tensegrity structure using Tinkercad was a highlight of my makerspace experience. This challenge gave me the opportunity to experiment with 3D modeling on a browser . Following a Tinkercad guide really helped walk me through the basics of the program, allowing me to successfully print a (hopefully) functional prototype.
Alas, it didn’t work as well as I hoped. Unfortunately, my attempt at bonding the units failed. I tried welding the units with a 3D pen, but it didn’t fuse effectively. If fell apart immediately.
Learning Through Iteration
One of the most valuable aspects of this activity was its emphasis on precision and patience. Tinkercad’s 3D modeling environment allowed me to visualize and adjust each component. This process underscored the importance of accurate measurements and alignment, key skills in both digital and physical design. The next logical step of iteration in this project was to design a print in Tinkercad that didn’t require any fusing of parts. Of course, this required some very intentional measurements within Tinkercad. I haven’t printed this file yet, but I have a feeling it would go much better than my last iteration!
The big idea of this activity was “iteration”. First, we designed a Lego prototype, then we designed a Tinkercad prototype that failed right away. It was important not to feel discouraged, but to assess the issues and solve them. This process was incredibly valuable as, according to research, it forced me to engage in higher order thinking. “Iteration provides a pathway to encourage the types of higher-order thinking makification strives to support in students”(p. 132).
Cohen, J. D., Jones, W. M., Smith, S., & Calandra, B. (n.d.). Makification: Towards a framework for leveraging the maker movement in formal education. Georgia State University.