Learning new technologies from home is no easy feat, but students in Year 9 Full STEAM Ahead have had great success using the engineering design process to produce their very own computer-aided designs (CAD) of a custom tool to be 3D printed. The students then evaluated and iterated their design, using external feedback, video conferencing and photos, before re-designing their final product. Returning to school the students will get to take their 3D printed projects home to share with their client. Three of the best designs have been shared below:

Project Name: Shopping Handle

Student Designer: Noa Skoko

Have you ever had to take the groceries in the house and don't want to go for two trips to the trunk? Well that's my thinking everything: "ohh I can take all the bags in one trip". This

handy tool will help you carry the bags more efficiently and fix that problem every time.

I used the 3D printer to create this tool to make it easier for my mum to carry around

shopping bags. Its greatest strength is that for how small the object is it can carry up to 6kg

on one hook so that gives a total of a possible 18kg without breaking.

What I most enjoyed about this task was using the 3D printer. I learnt how a 3D printer works and how to use it. I also enjoyed testing my product and seeing everything work to plan. I also used TinkerCad for the first time and enjoyed playing around until I had a product I was satisfied with.

Product Name: Sanding Stick Mk 1

Student Designer: Angus Smith

The sanding stick was made with carpenters and woodworkers in mind the main problem the sanding stick is made to overcome is the struggle that tight corners and spaces provide for carpenters to sand and smooth down. The list of people who benefit from this product is

extensive ranging from carpenters and furniture makers to people that treat woodworking as a hobby.

The project was really enjoyable because I had to push myself to learn new skills and grow in my abilities to adapt and communicate. During this project I learnt how to manage my time more efficiently I learnt how to use the software TinkerCAD and I learned about and taught myself how to use Microsoft Sway.

Product Name: Universal Wrench

Student Designer: Cooper Heer

It works by locking on to the bolt and then when you apply pressure to the handle it will slowly undo the bolt. It is designed for small trades people or to be included in flat pack. I improved my design once it had printed and removed the block that I had put into the model that would hold it up when printing caused the handle to have a hole in the bottom making it uncomfortable to hold. With this project I learnt how to 3D model. I enjoyed the hands-on aspect and the 3D modelling of this project.