Learning Objectives:
- Introduce the concept of creating and making objects.
- Familiarize students with basic 3D shapes and their combinations.
- Introduce simple 3D modeling using TinkerCad.
- Provide hands-on experience with 3D printing.
- Encourage creativity, collaboration, and expression through design and decoration.
Overview of the Course:
- Introduction to Making and Basic Shapes:
- Students explore and manipulate basic 3D shapes, understanding how they combine to form new objects, fostering creativity and spatial awareness.
- Basic 3D Modeling and Printing:
- Introduction to TinkerCad for simple modeling.
- Students create digital models and experience the 3D printing process by bringing their designs to life.
- Collaborative Creation and Presentation:
- Students participate in group projects to assemble larger creations.
- They present their work, enhancing communication skills and confidence.
Session 1: “Welcome to the World of Making!”
Description:
Students are introduced to the concept of creating things. The teacher shows them simple 3D printed objects (like a toy car or a keychain). They discuss how objects are made and explore the idea that they can make their own creations. The session includes a story or video about making things to spark imagination.
Session 2: “Shape Safari Adventure”
Description:
Students go on a “Shape Safari” where they explore basic 3D shapes (cube, sphere, cylinder, cone). Using physical models, they identify and play with these shapes, learning their names and properties. They build simple structures using blocks, reinforcing their understanding of how shapes fit together.
Session 3: “Tinker Time: Building with Virtual Blocks”
Description:
Students are introduced to TinkerCad in a very simplified manner. They use tablets or computers to drag and drop basic shapes, stacking them like virtual blocks. The focus is on familiarizing them with the interface and the concept of digital modeling, with plenty of guidance from the teacher.
Session 4: “Designing Your First Treasure”
Description:
Building on their TinkerCad experience, students design a simple object—like a badge or a coin—using basic shapes. They personalize it by adding a letter or symbol. The teacher assists them in preparing the design for printing.
Session 5: “Watch It Print: Magic in Action”
Description:
Students watch their designs being 3D printed. The teacher explains the printing process in simple terms, comparing it to icing a cake layer by layer. They observe the printer as it brings their digital designs into the physical world, sparking excitement and curiosity.
Session 6: “Finishing Touches: Painting Party”
Description:
With their printed objects ready, students remove them from the print bed with assistance. They then get to decorate their creations using safe, washable paints. This hands-on activity reinforces the connection between their design and the tangible result, and encourages creativity.
Session 7: “Back to TinkerCad: Exploring New Tools”
Description:
Students return to TinkerCad to explore new features, such as grouping shapes and using holes to create cut-outs. They experiment by modifying existing designs, like making a simple name tag or a pendant. The session emphasizes exploration and play within the software.
Session 8: “Team Builders: Creating Pieces Together”
Description:
The class is divided into small groups. Each group is assigned to design a different part of a simple object (e.g., parts of a toy house—walls, roof, door). The teacher guides them in understanding how their parts will fit together, introducing basic concepts of assembly.
Session 9: “Assemble the Masterpiece: Bringing It All Together”
Description:
Students receive the printed parts from the previous session. With guidance, they work together to assemble the complete object. This collaborative activity teaches them about teamwork, spatial relationships, and how individual parts form a whole.
Session 10: “Show and Tell Celebration”
Description:
In the final session, students showcase their creations to the class. They share what they made, how they made it, and what they enjoyed about the process. The session ends with a celebration of their efforts, reinforcing their achievements and building confidence.