Activity

Hello,

Below I have copied a document I created to help my students work with the 3D scanner.  It includes the steps to follow for 3D scanning.  I have revised this document multiple times, please feel free to make changes as needed for your classroom.  I have a copy next to each scanner.  At the end of the document, there are some examples to foster student collaboration and participation.

Best,

Mayra

Instructions for 3D scanning

Part A: Scanning the object

1.Check that the rotating platform is 9.5 in. away from the scanner.

2. Click on the Scan Studio software icon on the home screen of the computer.

3.Click on the Scan green arrow icon.

4.On the box at the top type the new name for the folder of all the scans saved by the scanner.

• Use the example below to name the file:

Period ___ Scanner ___ Fossil (Ex: P1_PK1_Megalodon)

• To open a file previously created, go to File, Open, 3D folder, file name)

5.Check the following settings:

1. SCAN FAMILY: AUTO
2. POSITIONING: 360
3. DIVISIONS: 6
4. POINTS: SD
5. TARGET: dark/neutral/light
   1. Choose one depending on the object.
6. RANGE: MACRO
7. TIME (estimate of the time it will take to scan the object)
   1. nothing to do
8. MEMORY (estimate memory space)
   1. nothing to do

1. Using the TURN icon in the top menu check that the fossil image fits inside the frame.
2. Stop! Wait for the teacher’s approval to click the green arrow at the top to begin the SCAN process.
3. While the fossil is scanned you can explore the different features on the scanner.

• Explore the different views under the beach ball icon on the bottom right of the screen; zoom scan image in/out.

1. After the first scan family, rotate the fossil on the platform and repeat steps 4 and 5 and begin scanning.

Part B: Trimming

1.Click on the TRIM icon (Look for the scissors.)

1. Click on the circle icon. (A red circle should appear.)
2. Erase the scan parts that are not part of the fossil. (You should see all the unwanted parts shaded red.)
3. Click on the scissors to delete these parts.

Part C: Stitching the scans

1.Go to ALIGN.

1. Click on the two green scans on the bottom left of the screen.
2. Locate the three pins (red, blue and yellow pins) on three different points on the scan.
3. Match the same color pin location on the left side scan to the scan on the right side.
4. Click on “Attach scans” (top bar).

Note: For great collaboration, students are encouraged to take turns dividing the tasks described above.

Example: First scan: Student 1-steps 1-4; student 2-steps 5-7

Second scan: Student 2-steps 1-4; student 1- steps 5-7

If the groups are composed of 4 students, they can also take turns switching jobs/steps with their partners.