Lesson for Ages 7-10
Objective:
- Introduce students to the basics of 3D design and modeling using Tinkercad.
- Foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and spatial thinking.
Materials Needed:
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Tinkercad accounts (create free accounts if needed)
- Optional: 3D printer (for advanced projects)
Duration:
1 hour (adjustable based on class pace)
Lesson Steps:
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
- Discuss what 3D design is and how it’s used in various fields (architecture, engineering, art, etc.).
- Explain that Tinkercad is a user-friendly online platform for creating 3D models.
2. Creating an Account (5 minutes)
- Guide students through creating their Tinkercad accounts (if not already done).
- Show them how to log in and access the Tinkercad workspace.
3. Basic Shapes (15 minutes)
- Demonstrate how to create basic 3D shapes (cube, sphere, cylinder) using Tinkercad’s shape generator.
- Encourage students to experiment with resizing, rotating, and combining shapes.
4. Design Challenge: Build a House (20 minutes)
- Provide a simple design challenge: “Design a 3D house using basic shapes.”
- Students can create walls, roofs, doors, and windows by combining shapes.
- Emphasize creativity and encourage them to think about functionality (e.g., where the door should be).
5. Sharing and Presenting (10 minutes)
- Have students save their designs and share them with the class.
- Each student presents their house model, explaining their design choices.
6. Reflection and Discussion (5 minutes)
- Discuss what they learned during the lesson.
- Ask questions like:
“What was challenging?”“What did you enjoy most?”
“How could you improve your design?”
7. Extension Activities (Optional):
- Explore more complex shapes (e.g., cones, pyramids).
- Introduce the concept of 3D printing and discuss how Tinkercad designs can be printed.
- Create a collaborative project (e.g., designing a mini city).