Modeling Topography and Erosion with 3D Printing

Last crawled date: 6 years, 3 months ago

"Modeling Topography and Erosion with 3D Printing" is a project that will demonstrate the effect of river erosion on the Grand Canyon. This model will act as a visual aid for studying geography and earth science.

The included 3D printable files will allow students to create a scale terrain model of this region and all the accessories needed to simulate a water source.

By using rigid plastic PLA to print the Grand Canyon and water soluble PVA to print a River Valley that fits within, water poured through the river will dissolve the PVA and gradually expose the canyon underneath. During the experiment, participants will observe natural formations that will appear and identify geographic terms to understand how and why these structures come to be.

This project is possible due to the unique properties of PVA filament. PVA is the same material from which glue sticks are made. Most 3D printing hobbyists use this material as a dissolvable support structure for complex models. My concept proposes using it as a functional end product by leveraging the water solubility of PVA to demonstrate a natural process.

Feel free to share any images, videos, tips, tricks, or suggestions from your experiment and experience with the project!

Awards and Accolades
Pinshape Create to Educate Lesson Plan Contest - 1st Place Winner
Pinshape Featured Design - December 1, 2017
Make Magazine Blog Article - December 18, 2017
Cults 3D Selection - December 2017
MatterHackers Minute - Create to Educate Design Challenge Review

https://pinshape.com/blog/announcing-create-educate-lesson-plan-contest-winners/
https://pinshape.com/blog/pinshape-featured-designs-december-1st/
https://makezine.com/2017/12/18/science-simulation-3d-printing/
https://cults3d.com/en/creations/selected
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_rikCwHumk

Timelapse video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhQ9V3SRjRw

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