Making Diatoms Using 3D Printed Tools

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Students at Atlanta International School participated in a worksop designed to make microscopic diatoms visible. Students started by observing diatom micrographs and creating sketches of forms and types of diatoms the thought were interesting. Next they discussed as a large group why they thought diatoms might have these intricate forms and learned more about the function and form of diatoms. Finally they used a combination of traditional clay sculpting tools and 3D printed diatom texture stamping tools to create their own diatoms which were combined into a class tank to be displayed in their classrooms.