Your First Print - Teacher Template (Extension Project)
Briefing
A foundational extension project where students select a ready-made 3D model from online repositories, configure slicer settings, and complete their first independent print job. This project builds confidence and establishes safe printing practices.
Key Learning: Printer safety; slicer configuration; print monitoring; dimensional verification.
Real-world Connection: Production environments rely on safe print setup and quality verification. This project establishes habits that transfer to any 3D printing context.
Constraints
- Model must be 2 hours print time
- No or minimal support requirements recommended
- Student must document printer configuration and safety checks
- Student must compare printed dimensions to model specifications
Functional Requirements
- Model selected and deemed appropriate for beginner
- Printer configured safely with classroom profile
- Print completes successfully with good adhesion
- Printed part is measured and deviations documented
Deliverables
- Completed documentation template with:
- Model selection rationale and printability assessment
- Printer setup log (materials, temperature, settings)
- Print monitoring observations (first 10 minutes, monitoring during print)
- Dimensional measurements and deviation analysis
- Reflection on first print experience
- Post-print analysis and troubleshooting notes
- Photograph of final print
- Slicer settings (screenshot or text export)
Rubric
All projects are scored on a 0-9 scale across three equally weighted categories (3 points each):
| Category | Points | What We Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Problem & Solution | 0-3 | Did the student select an appropriate model? Did the print succeed? |
| Design & Code Quality | 0-3 | Is documentation of printer setup thorough? Is print quality good? |
| Documentation | 0-3 | Is all documentation complete? Are measurements recorded? Is reflection thoughtful? |
Category 1: Problem & Solution (0-3 points)
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 3 | Student selected appropriate model with sound reasoning. Print completed successfully with good adhesion and finish. No major issues. |
| 2 | Model generally appropriate. Print mostly successful with minor adhesion or finish issues. |
| 1 | Model had some difficulties; print partially successful or required intervention. |
| 0 | Print failed or model was inappropriate. |
Category 2: Design & Code Quality (0-3 points)
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 3 | Printer setup documented thoroughly. Safety checks evident. Print quality excellent. Photos provided. |
| 2 | Setup documented adequately. Print quality acceptable. Some documentation of settings. |
| 1 | Minimal documentation of setup. Print quality has defects. |
| 0 | Setup not documented or print failed to start. |
Category 3: Documentation (0-3 points)
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 3 | All sections complete. Measurements recorded precisely. Reflection is specific and shows learning. |
| 2 | Most sections present. Measurements recorded but reflection brief. |
| 1 | Incomplete sections. Measurements minimal. Reflection lacking. |
| 0 | No documentation. |
Score Interpretation
| Total Score | Interpretation | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| 8-9 | Excellent work | Student ready for independent printing projects |
| 6-7 | Good execution | Encourage documentation habit |
| 4-5 | Meets basics | Discuss printer setup and safety |
| 2-3 | Does not meet expectations | Resubmission or additional practice |
| 0-1 | Missing major components | Meet with instructor |
Resubmission Policy
Students may resubmit to improve their score. Resubmissions must include:
- A one-paragraph explanation of what was changed and why
The resubmission score replaces the original.
Assessment Notes
- Strong submissions show careful model selection reasoning, thorough printer documentation, and specific observations about print behavior
- Watch for: Poor printer documentation, dismissive attitude toward safety checks, or generic reflections
- Reinforce: Safety first; documentation enables learning and troubleshooting
- Next Step: Extension problem suggestions include print quality analysis or variant material testing