Thinkin' about Tinkering with Tinkercad!

3D Design and 3D modeling can be intimidating concepts to the unfamiliar educator; they were to me!! I stumbled onto Tinkercad as a tool for student learning after I received a 3D Printer through Donors Chose hoping to create experiences for my learners related to the 3D Printer. Certainly the 3D Printer opened the door to my exploration, but I soon realized

YOU DON'T NEED A 3D PRINTER TO DO 3D DESIGN IN YOUR CLASSROOM

Tinkercad is a really great way to introduce students to redefine their instructional experiences using technology; think the HIGHEST level in the SAMR model for classroom technology integration. With Tinkercad, students are given a building platform and a suite of basic shapes, text and numbers, shape generators and more that allows them to creatively design three dimensional items.  From creating and designing customized keychains to linking together more complicated shapes to create larger items, you'll LOVE the adaptability of Tinkercad and the level of engagement that you'll get from students!

How can I use Tinkercad?

Examples:

• Have students create artifacts such as a Cuneiform Tablet or an Egyptian Cartouche with their names or initials

• Have students research an historical monument and design it.  Conduct a gallery walk using Object Viewer on Merge Cube rather than printing the artifacts.

• Design Molecules in Science class and have students participate in a mystery molecule identification game by sharing their creations.

• Have students design a symbol that represents a character or theme from a novel that they are reading

What if I have NO Clue what I'm Doing?

Start small and start tinkering yourself!!  Let students learn by doing and you'll be AMAZED at what they can do!

Lesson Plans and Resources

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tinkercad-Cuneiform-Tablet-3556216

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tinkercad-Create-an-Invention-3641725

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tinkercad-Design-a-Molecule-4170815

As always, thanks for:

3D Design for ANY Learner!

Being an advocate of STEM, Makerspaces 3D design and ANYTHING digital, this year I decided to collaborate with a good friend to bring STEM experiences to learners with a variety of abilities.

This project was designed as a holiday gift initiative, and brought together an interdisciplinary experience that allowed students to engage in a STEM experience with 3D printing and making holiday treats!

Here's How We Did It!!

• Locate small holiday designs...bells, stars, stockings, etc.  

• Print the designs.  Make them approximately 3 x 3
• Take a CLEAR ziplock baggie, lay it over the design and trace the outline ONLY

• Log into Thingiverse with FREE MakerBot Account
• Open Cookie Cutter Customizer 
•  (Option #2:  Cookie Caster: http://www.cookiecaster.com/#editor)

• TAPE the ziplock baggie onto the computer screen.  This allows student to follow the pattern of the mouse to trace their design within the constraints of the box on the screen.  (Designs cannot be effectively scaled and traced by laying them under the mouse.)

• Click ‘Create Thing’. Name the File.
• Item's will appear in your queue where you can download and convert to a file type that is compatible with the printer that you are using

----Click here for a Google Document with Directions

3D Design for ALL levels of learners while