Convergence Inquiry to Improve the Structure of Robot - Arm based on Biomimicry of Avian Beak - Using 3D Modeling and Printing -

Abstract

This study was a convergence inquiry task which utilizes 3D modeling and printing to improve the structure of robot-arm based on biomimicry of avian beak in biology education. The process of study was performed as through understanding and training of 3D modeling and printing, task selection of problem solving, identifying of the problem situation with target setting, biomimicry based solution searching and designing, 3D modeling and 3D printing, and testing process of the printed product. Three high school students were participated in the study to perform the inquiry through the biomimicry based convergence thinking process. Results were as followed: First, students explored and generated biological knowledge about avian beak and engineering knowledge in which the biological knowledge on avian beak was applied. With applying the biological and engineering knowledge, students designed 3 kinds of new robot-arms which were improved in the structure. Three products through 3D modeling and 3D printing were produced using the improved design. The products were tested whether they could solve effectively the problem of previous robot-arm. The result was shown that there was some differences among the improved products of robot-arm. This study suggests that high school students can utilize 3D modeling and 3D printing to perform convergence inquiry in biology education.