Create a Tactile Matching Game!

In this creative project, students will be introduced to an example tactile matching game, which will be 3D printed by the teacher prior to the lesson.

* This is a lesson that is part of The PrintLab Classroom lesson portal. To view details of the full portal, click  here. *

Overview

In this creative project, students will be introduced to an example tactile matching game, which will be 3D printed by the teacher prior to the lesson. By discussing tactile discrimination and awareness as a class, students will gain an understanding of how the games are created and played, together with their benefits. Following on from the discussion, students will participate in a skill-building tutorial, where they will follow instructions to design a tactile matching game in CAD software.

In the main part of the lesson, students will be split into teams to design and 3D print their own unique tactile matching games. Each team will be assigned the mission of creating a game that relates to a certain theme. These include education, food, transport, energy and architecture.

Subject Areas

The lesson can be incorporated into the study of math, design technology, art & design and computing. The material can be adapted for ages 8-15.

Learning Criteria

In this project students will:

• Develop an understanding of tactile matching games, together with their place and benefits in society
• Use design-thinking and sketching skills to develop a concept for a tactile matching game
• Use 3D modeling software to design a tactile matching game
• Use 3D printers to manufacture a tactile matching game
• Develop their tactile discrimination skills by playing tactile matching games
• Analyze their work and the work of their peers to suggest improvements to their designs

Each student will require:

1 x laptop/computer with mouse and internet access to use Tinkercad software

1 x pen/pencil

The teacher will require:

1 x 3D printer and PLA filament 

1 x laptop/computer with mouse, internet access and slicing software for the 3D printer