Introduction: O' America the Beautiful Flag

Two fourth graders at Oak Grove Elementary in Roanoke County, Virginia designed and created their 3D ornament for this project. It was created in our school's Makerspace, a pilot program through our district's Special Education Department. Its goal is to challenge all students to develop key skills of creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking all while solving engineering and design problems. It is submitted by one of their teachers (Alisa Downey and Tina Coffey). Written parent permission was obtained for students to participate in this project.

Step 1: Brainstorm Your Idea

We brainstormed ideas and then sketched out our ornament. We shared it with others to get feedback.

Step 2: Use Tinkercad

Use http://www.tinkercad.com/ to design your ornament. The software is easy to use, and they offer a few tutorials on how to use it when you start up the program.

Step 3: Download the .stl File

Once your design is complete, download it from Tinkercad. First Choose Design>Download for 3D Printing. Choose the .stl file (or the file that your 3D printer uses).

Step 4: Load Into 3D Printing Software

Open the software for your 3D printer. Open the .stl file you downloaded.

Step 5: Print

Use your 3D printer to print the ornament.

Step 6: Decorate Your Ornament

We used Sharpies and other craft supplies.