🎯 Learning objectives
|
Bronze |
To understand what CAD software is and why we use it. |
|
Silver |
To create simple objects in TinkerCAD by combining basic shapes. |
|
Gold |
To model 3D objects to meet precise specifications. |
Getting started
Before getting started you need an account on TinkerCAD. Follow the instructions from your teacher to get started.
Click the Create button to make a new 3D design.
Starter: explore the interface
⏱ Time: 3 minutes
You should:
- Add a cube, cylinder and sphere.
- Use the right mouse button to rotate your view.
- Zoom in and out using the mouse wheel.
- Move your view by holding the middle mouse button.
|
Silver |
To create simple objects in TinkerCAD by combining basic shapes. |
Design specifications
In design, the term specification is important.
A specification is a list of requirements that tell us what something we are making should look like, how it should work and what it needs to do. It’s like a roadmap that helps us build something the right way.
You will now complete three skills building tasks where you are given a specification. You will be told what matters (and must be done) and what doesn’t (so you can make creative choices).
Task 1a: make a house
Specification: make a house with a roof.
⏱ Time: 5 mins
What matters?
- The house must be a perfect cube.
- The roof must be on top of the cube and overhang on the sides.
What doesn’t matter?
- Colours or measurements.
Find out how
Discuss: did you meet the spec?
Review the specification above. In pairs, decide whether you met the specification or not, and how your model could be improved. ⏱ Time: 1 min.
Task 1b: Windows and doors
Specification: add at least two windows & a door to the house you made.
⏱ Time: 5 mins
What matters?
- Add windows using the hole option on a box.
- Add a door, flush with the front of the house.
What doesn’t matter?
- Colours or measurements.
Find out how
Discuss: did you meet the spec?
Review the specification above. In pairs, decide whether you met the specification or not, and how your model could be improved. ⏱ Time: 1 min.
Task 2: Wrench
Specification: Make a wrench.
⏱ Time: 5 mins
What matters?
- Each section must be a consistent height.
- The holes cut in the end pieces should be hexagons.
What doesn’t matter?
- Colours.
Find out how
Discuss: did you meet the spec?
Review the specification above. In pairs, decide whether you met the specification or not, and how your model could be improved. ⏱ Time: 1 min.
You’ve spent some time learning the basics. Now let’s get precise.
|
Gold |
To model 3D objects to meet precise specifications. |
Task 3: Dumbbell
⏱ Time: 5 mins
Specification: Make this dumbbell
What doesn’t matter?
- Colours.
What matters? Measurements.
- Bar: 5cm high 5cm wide 50cm long
- Spheres: 20cm high, wide & long
Find out how
Discuss: did you meet the spec?
Review the specification above. In pairs, decide whether you met the specification or not, and how your model could be improved. ⏱ Time: 1 min.