05/07 - 05/10 (HYBRID): TinkerCad / Digital Design Process

Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It's used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything!

In this unit students will be working with a beginning 3D design software called TinkerCad. TinkerCad is a product of AutoDesk, which is a software company that makes architecture, engineering, constructing and manufacturing software. TinkerCad is browser based, so students do not need to download or install software, and is intuitive and easy to use.  

Students will learn the basics of creating digital 3D models that could be printed on a 3D printer. They will work their way through several tutorials to learn the basics of the program. 

Activity

Students should go ahead and create a 3D design of their name.  As an extension, they can explore and add additional 3D designs to the workplane.  When finished, students should take a screenshot of their design in order to upload to their digital portfolio.

Step-By-Step Directions!

Step 1:  Sign into Google Apps.

Step 2:  Create an account on TinkerCad

Step 3:  Complete the Basic Tutorial program

Step 4:  Use the Tools and Skills from the Tutorial

        - Create a Design of your Full Name in TinkerCad

        - Take a screenshot or download a photo of your creation

        - Send the Image to Mr. S (harvey.scribner@techfreire.org)

Tinkercad is a free and easy-to-use app that allows students to design in 3D, which can then be printed using a 3D printer.  These Tinkercad sessions below can be particularly useful for helping to familiarize students with this application.

Overview:

 

This series of lessons will teach all of the key features in Tinkercad, a free, web-based 3D design platform. When you have finished the lessons you will have a comprehensive knowledge of how to design/draw in 3D. After that all you need is practice to improve your skills.

Subject:

 

Architecture and Design, Computer Science, Graphic Arts, Visual Arts, Electronic Technology, Graphic Design, Educational Technology, Elementary Education, Geometry

ISTE Standards:

1. Creativity and innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. 

    a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes 

    b. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression 

    c. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues 

    d. Identify trends and forecast possibilities 

2. Communication and collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. 

    a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of

        digital environments and media 

    b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety             of media and formats 

    c. Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other 

        cultures 

    d. Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems 

4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. 

    a. Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation 

    b. Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project 

    c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions 

    d. Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions 

6. Technology operations and concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. 

    a. Understand and use technology systems 

    b. Select and use applications effectively and productively 

    c. Troubleshoot systems and applications 

    d. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies