Inquiry Project #2 Blog Post #2
What is the inquiry question/project?
My inquiry project is to design and print a 3D dolphin model. I came up with the idea, because I was thinking of doing my next inquiry project also relating to dolphins. Then, I thought of 3D printing, which I was interested in, since we made 3D models in Science classes. I thought it would be nice to 3D print a dolphin model, and since it seemed possible, I made that as my second inquiry project.
What are the challenges you’ve faced and the solutions for the challenges?
Some challenges I’ve faced so far were the ‘How to make 3D fish’ tutorial not showing much details about how he did some things. Also, I found out that the 3D printer is not yet fixed. My solution for the first problem (difficulties while making the 3D fish model) was to search how to do specific steps (such as adding in a picture, which wasn’t explained clearly in the tutorial), and then asking my dad, who used Blender and other programs before. My solution for the second problem is to present only the 3D models on Blender (that won’t be printed), if the 3D printer is still not fixed until the final presentation date.
What are the next steps?
My next steps are designing the actual 3D dolphin model, printing, and colouring it. The dolphin species I chose to design is the ‘Commerson’s dolphin’, which has interesting white and black pattern on its skin. After I’ve finished designing the dolphin model, I’ve planned to buy paint (acrylic paint, which I found to work well with painting 3D printed models and PLA) and start painting the model. (I was originally planning to use a normal brush for painting, but I light use the airbrush if it’s selected for one of the items we buy with the award the school had received) However, since the 3D printer is not yet fixed, and I cannot print my dolphin model, I’m now planning to start designing on another type of dolphin (which is most likely to be the Amazon river dolphin), after finishing the ‘Commerson’s dolphin’ model. If the printer is not yet fixed by the time for my final inquiry presentation (or until when it’s due), I’m planning to present what I’ve done so far, the designs on Blender.