Exploring rapid prototyping through practice and experience, the “Erasmus+” Blended Intensive Program (BIP) MAKERS 5.0, for the second time, brought together a group of talented students from two ATHENA European University Alliance universities – VILNIUS TECH and the University of Siegen, along with students from Riga Technical University (Latvia) and TTK University of Applied Sciences (Estonia).
This time, the VILNIUS TECH “LinkMenų fabrikas” spring school was focused on beginner students aiming to experience the creative hands-on process. While creating and learning in groups, these students not only deepened their knowledge in 3D printing, electronics, design thinking, and metal and wood processing, but also honed their skills in teamwork, presentation, and time management.
The MAKERS 5.0 school lasted two weeks; the first week involved remote learning, delving into sustainable design, electronics, 3D modeling fundamentals, and other interactive tasks. In the second week, the students met in person and began implementing their projects, aiming to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
Participants utilized rapid prototyping technologies to create product prototypes in these areas: an invention that brings people together; retro reborn; the most useless invention; the most useful invention; and a mood booster.
In response to these challenges and themes, one team of students created a riddle game for school-age children to educate them about climate change. Other teams created an interactive memory-enhancing puzzle and a mood and emotional literacy-boosting robot.
The team that received the highest evaluation from the jury created an add-on that can revive any old and non-functioning player or radio. In the category of the most useless invention, students presented their self-created and app-controlled car model, which had to catch (and never catch) a rolling table tennis ball. To create prototypes, students used old electronic waste, plywood, and 3D printing plastic recycled from PET bottles.
The international spring school “MAKERS 5.0” aims to increase student competencies with innovative teaching methods and expand their international experience.
