EcoLogik Workshop: 3D Cabrillo

February 16, 2018 Posted by: McKenna Pace

The EcoLogik Project is a unique fusion of ecology, nature, and technology that connects the next generation of stewards to the science of Cabrillo National Monument. What began as a summer day camp for girls ages 9-16 has expanded into specialty workshops open to anyone - girls, boys, adults, kids; we welcome you all! These workshops are shortened versions of the curriculum we teach during the summer camp, where we strive to expose a diverse audience to science in the park through hands-on activities. During our first workshop, attendees learned rudimentary coding techniques and used biomimetic loggers to conduct an experiment (read all about it here). 


NPS Photo/Emily Pruett - a group of students watch as a 3D printer works on a print at the Downtown Public Library Innovation Lab.

The next installment in the workshop series was all about the 3D Cabrillo program. This unique program aims to make the Rocky Intertidal Zone, and the animals within, more accessible to visitors. Our 3D prints allow visitors to examine animals in the palm of their hand without harming a real animal or getting their feet wet. The program includes an open-source how-to guide and collection of 38 different animals found in the shallow seas of Southern California. Anyone can download their favorite animal and print it at their local 3D printer (our favorite is the Innovation lab at the Downtown Public Library). Check out the entire archive here.

Those who attended the workshop on February 10 got to work through the step-by-step process of creating a ready-to-print model. Then, they became scientific illustrators by painting their own 3D-printed octopus to take home. This was a unique experience for most who attended, as many had never seen a real 3D printer in action or examined a 3D print before. Thank you to all who made this workshop a success!


NPS Photo/Emily Pruett - a student uses an iPod to capture images of his model from every angle, the first step in creating a ready-to-print 3D biomodel.

While the next two EcoLogik workshops are full, registration is now open for the EcoLogik Summer Day Camp! If you know a girl between the ages of 9-16 who has an interest in science, nature, or technology and would be interested in attending the camp, check out our website at http://cabrilloeducation.com/ecologic-summer-camp to learn more.

EcoLogik, 3D printing, workshops