Developing outcomes within the CAD/CAM in Schools Initiative : a rapid prototyping project in schools

This paper begins with a consideration of the scope and nature of school-based product outcomes within the CAD/CAM in Schools Initiative. An overview of one possible outcome, a collaborative project designed to introduce both teachers and pupils to new rapid prototyping technologies is then presented. The authors have worked with REACT Regional Technology Centre and local teachers to develop a Key Stage 3 design and make activity that incorporates ProIDESKTOP as well as working with pupils involved with GCSE and post-16 examination work. Final design work from pupils has been e-mailed to the rapid prototyping centre for conversion into stereolithographic models. The paper concludes with a discussion of potential further developments in this area.