Pacing Guide
Suggested timing for 80-minute block periods, every other day. Adjust based on your students' pace — the site is self-paced, so faster students can move ahead while you support those who need more time.
80-minute periods, every other day. Total lesson time: approximately 5–7 block periods depending on student pace and print queue logistics.
Period 1 — Foundations
| Time | Activity | Section |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:05 | Introduce the lesson arc: predict, print, break, compare | — |
| 0:05–0:35 | Section 1: The Physics You Need — stress, strain, material properties | 1 |
| 0:35–0:45 | Section 1 Knowledge Check (3 calculation problems) | 1 |
| 0:45–1:10 | Section 2: What FEA Actually Does — workflow, GIGO principle | 2 |
| 1:10–1:20 | Section 2 Knowledge Check (workflow labeling) + CNC Kitchen video discussion | 2 |
Assign the CNC Kitchen video before Period 1. This saves 10–15 minutes and lets students arrive with visual context for the material properties discussion.
Period 2 — Simulation
| Time | Activity | Section |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:05 | Quick review: What are the 7 FEA steps? Which are human decisions? | 2 review |
| 0:05–0:55 | Section 3: SolidWorks Simulation Setup — follow walkthrough at computers | 3 |
| 0:55–1:10 | Section 3 Knowledge Check (annotated screenshots) | 3 |
| 1:10–1:20 | Section 4: Reading Results — begin interpreting plots | 4 |
Section 3 requires every student at a SolidWorks workstation. If sharing computers, pair students — one drives, one follows the site and verifies each step. Swap roles at Step 4 (fixtures).
Period 3 — Results + Print Setup
| Time | Activity | Section |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:20 | Finish Section 4: Reading Results — FoS, singularities, write prediction | 4 |
| 0:20–0:30 | Section 4 Knowledge Check | 4 |
| 0:30–0:55 | Section 5: Print the Specimen — configure Bambu Studio, verify settings, start prints | 5 |
| 0:55–1:20 | Continue printing / Students document settings + label specimens | 5 |
With a Bambu Lab P1S, each test bar (~80×10×4mm at 100% infill) takes approximately 25–35 minutes. Plan for:
- 3 specimens per student/team × ~30 min each = ~90 min per student
- Run print batches during class time + overnight if possible
- Have students prepare their Bambu Studio files in Period 3, queue prints in order
- Some prints will carry into Period 4 — that's normal
Period 4 — Break It
| Time | Activity | Section |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:10 | Distribute specimens (24hr conditioning should be complete). Review test procedure. | 6 |
| 0:10–0:55 | Section 6: Physical testing — three-point bend, data collection | 6 |
| 0:55–1:10 | Calculate flexural stress and modulus from data | 6 |
| 1:10–1:20 | Photo documentation of broken specimens | 6 |
When PLA specimens fail in bending, fragments can fly. Require safety glasses during testing. Specimens under load can snap suddenly — keep fingers away from the loading point. Demonstrate proper hand placement before students begin.
Period 5 — Compare + Reflect
| Time | Activity | Section |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:30 | Section 7: Complete comparison table, calculate percent error | 7 |
| 0:30–0:50 | Section 7: Written reflection on error sources | 7 |
| 0:50–1:20 | Class discussion: What did everyone get? What patterns emerge? Who had the lowest error and why? | 7 |
Period 6–7 — The ABS Trap (Advanced, if time allows)
| Time | Activity | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Period 6: 0:00–0:30 | Section 8: Run simulation with default ABS, record predictions | 8 |
| Period 6: 0:30–1:20 | Print ABS specimens (may need to extend into off-class time) | 8 |
| Period 7: 0:00–0:40 | Break ABS specimens, collect data | 8 |
| Period 7: 0:40–1:00 | Create corrected ABS profile, re-run simulation | 8 |
| Period 7: 1:00–1:20 | Side-by-side comparison table + final reflection | 8 |
If you only have 5 periods, stop after Section 7. The core lesson is complete. But if you have 7 periods, Section 8 is where the deepest learning happens — students experience firsthand what happens when material assumptions are wrong.
Summary
| Period | Sections | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 + 2 | Physics foundations + FEA concepts |
| 2 | 3 + begin 4 | Hands-on simulation setup |
| 3 | Finish 4 + 5 | Interpret results + start printing |
| 4 | 6 | Physical testing — break specimens |
| 5 | 7 | Compare, calculate error, reflect |
| 6–7 | 8 (advanced) | ABS investigation — the material trap |