Extra Credit - Maker Literacy Project - Antarctica

Extra Credit Opportunity: The Antarctic Maker Literacy Project

Gain up to 5% extra credit toward your final grade by stepping out of the classroom and into the FabLab. This project challenges you to develop a "new literacy"—the ability to use digital fabrication and shop tools to communicate complex ideas about Antarctica.

The Challenge

Select one tool or process available in the University FabLab to create a physical artifact related to our Antarctica curriculum. You are expected to spend approximately 8–10 hours on this project (roughly 1 hour per week):

• 3–4 Hours: Safety training, software tutorials, and "failed" first attempts.

• 5–6 Hours: Iteration, material finishing, and final fabrication.

Constraints

You may work with 👬 1 other person on this project. In fact, it is encouraged as you will learn how to help each other problem solve and support each other.

Please note this will incur some 💲out-of-pocket money on your end as you will need to either pay for the 3D printing or pay for textile materials. It depends on your project.

If cost is a concern (and believe me, I was a pooooooooooor college student who lived paycheck-to-paycheck), I can offer an alternative research assignment that would be of the same scope.

Project Tracks & Ideas

Choose a path that aligns with your interest in the frozen continent. Below are examples to get you thinking:

• The Expedition Outfitter (Textiles/Shop Room): * Idea: Construct a replica canvas sledge flag or a prototype of high-altitude protective gear.

• The Digital Geologist (3D Scanning/Printing): * Idea: 3D scan a geological specimen or historical tool and print a scaled, tactile model for a "museum" display.

• The Polar Cartographer (Cutting/Marking/CNC): * Idea: Use a laser cutter or CNC mill to create a topographic wood-relief map of the Dry Valleys or a research station layout.

• The Climate Historian (Printmaking/Materials): * Idea: Create a series of woodblock prints depicting the "Heroic Age" of exploration or a material study of "ice" using resins or glass (Kilns/Coldworking).

Project Proposal Form

Complete this section and submit it to me for approval before starting your FabLab training.

Student Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

1. The Literacy Goal: Which specific tool or software will you learn?

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2. The Antarctic Connection: What specific artifact, site, or concept are you representing? How does this relate to our class project?

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3. The Deliverable: Describe exactly what the final physical object will be.

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4. Estimated Timeline:

   • Onboarding/Training (Dates): _________________

   • Prototyping/Drafting (Dates): _________________

   • Final Build (Completion Date): _________________

Grading Criteria (5% Total)

• Technical Proficiency (1%): Safe and effective use of the equipment; the object is structurally sound.

• Research Integration (2%): The object shows understanding of Antarctic history, geography, or science. The artifact produced should be insightful.

• Craft & Quality (2%): The final piece is polished, thoughtful, and demonstrates effort beyond a basic "first-time" test.