In this lesson, students learn about manufacturing processes such as Vacuum Forming. They then do a project where they design a chocolate bar in a 3D modeling program and print it. The teacher uses the 3D model of their chocolate bar on the vacuum former to create the mold. Students use their mold to make their own custom chocolate bars. Attached is a power point/pdf to teach about vacuum forming and the assignment for the students. To complete this lesson and project, the teacher would need to have special tools and materials such as:
- a vacuum former (such as this one)
- access to a 3D printer
- PETG Plastic Sheets ( such as these )
- Melting Chocolate
- Crockpot
This lesson can be applied to these standards:
Science and Engineering Practices
Engineering Design: Defining and Delimiting and Engineering Problem (ETS1.A)
Engineering Design: Developing Possible Solutions (ETS1.B)
Engineering Design: Optimizing the Design Solution (ETS1.C)
College and Career awareness, Engineering & Technology, Manufacturing
Utilizing Utah courses 38.01.00.00.052 and 38.03. 00.00.060 the following strands and standards will be fulfilled:
STRAND 2 Students will be able to create a 3D part model with the correct dimensional and geometric sizes and constraints.
STRAND 3 Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use appropriate manufacturing technologies.
STRAND 4 Students will define free enterprise and marketing as it relates to manufacturing.
STRAND 5 Students will design and operate to a mass production system that creates a product of value
STRAND 6 Students will be able to understand and use 3D computer software to create technical drawings