At Garden Creek School, a group of Grade 5 students has been on an exciting journey, blending their passion for music, math, and science into a special project. These young innovators plunged into the world of 3D printing and musical instrument construction, setting their sights on crafting a fully functional electric guitar. With the aid of CAD software, these talented students meticulously designed every printable component of an electric guitar, printing as many parts as possible and assembling them with precision.
They took inspiration from a timeless guitar model: the Fender Stratocaster.
Although some essential metal hardware couldn’t be printed, their experimentation pushed the boundaries of 3D printing in the classroom. They even engineered a clever honeycomb design that strengthened the guitar while keeping it lightweight and more efficient in material use. The completed guitar is fully functional and took almost four months to build. It will be on display in the school’s library for all to view and enjoy.
—Music Teacher Meredith Briden, Garden Creek School