Education Standards
Design a Room in TinkerCAD
Overview
Students are tasked with designing a room of their choice in TinkerCAD. After learning the basic tools and navigation from modeling objects, they can begin to model collections of objects enabling them to visualize and personalize their dream spaces. Experimenting with layout, furniture, and décor helps develop their spatial awareness and design skills. The lesson concludes with an (optional) presentation, where participants present their room designs and reflect on their creative decisions and practical layouts.
Introduction
Subjects: • Design • Engineering • Technology
Time: 60-90 minutes
Skills: • Design Thinking • Problem Solving • 2D design • 3D design •CAD
Learning Objective/Goal:
- Gain foundational skills in 3D design using Tinkercad.
- Navigate Tinkercad's basic tools and features effectively.
- Design and modify 3D shapes and objects to create a model room.
- Express creativity through the design and aesthetics of room design
Materials Needed:
- Computers or tablets with internet access for each student.
- Tinkercad accounts for each student (free to create)
- Paper, markers, crayons, or colored pencils/pens
- Optional: Sample rooms for inspiration.
- Optional: Access to a 3D printer for printing student designs
Background
Background:
Similar to the previous lesson, this is meant to engage students in TinkerCAD and help them gain skills in 3D design. This lesson is the next level up where they can work with multiple objects in close quarters to make their model. It also adds to their special awareness and ensures they know how to maneuver to see all angles.
Activity
Part 1: Brainstorming:
- Similar to before have students think about why designing a room is important and about their favorite rooms and what items they want in the room.
- Have them brainstorm on paper and/or bounce ideas off their neighbor
Part 2: New Room Design:
- Instruct students to think about creating/designing their room, based on the ideas from the brainstorming session.
- remind students of the requirements, such as no overhanging parts and size requirements (more important if models will be 3D printed).
- Show them room floor plans or past designs to spark creativity.
Part 3: Tinkercad:
- Help students log in and access their accounts (if they still need it).
- Ask students if they remember everything that was taught previously - if not some features can be retaught, or more advanced techniques.
- Help them navigate to the starter room (if using, a large square for students to build in).
- Show students the rubric they will be scored on (if used).
Part 4: Presentation (optional):
- Have students stand up and talk about their room designs and their inspiration.
Extra
Tips for Students:
- Always save your work! (or check to make sure it has autosave)
- Experiment with combining and layering objects to create certain effects
- Don't hesitate to ask for help if you encounter difficulties.
Tips for Teachers:
- Remind students of the common mistakes and try to let them correct it on their own
- Students should be more engaged and less frustrated since they have experience in TinkerCAD
Extensions:
- Print 3D models of student designs using a 3D printer.
- Do this project in Fusion360 instead, challenging the students to learn more professional software (recommended for very advanced and enthusiastic students only)
References:
Tinkercad - Create 3D digital designs with online CAD
3D printing for elementary students
Homeschool Page | kids-can-cad (kidscancad.com)