Session 1: “Introduction to OnShape and Basic Sketching”
Architect:
Syed Shayaan Haider - Markhor3D
Session Overview
In this session, Grade 6 students are introduced to OnShape—a professional CAD (Computer Aided Design) software used for advanced 3D modeling. Students will learn what a sketch is, explore basic sketching tools, and practice creating closed 2D shapes. They will also learn to navigate the OnShape interface, including how to open a new part from the OnShape homepage. Special focus will be given to drawing basic shapes such as rectangles, circles, ellipses, and arcs. This session is designed to build strong foundations in sketching and precise dimensioning, which are essential before moving on to extrusion and advanced modeling in future sessions.
Placeholder for OnShape homepage image: [Google Image Search “OnShape homepage new part”]
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, Grade 6 students will be able to:
- Understand What a Sketch Is: Explain that a sketch is a 2D drawing on a chosen plane that acts as a blueprint for 3D models.
- Open a New Part in OnShape: Navigate the OnShape homepage to start a new part.
- Manipulate the Camera: Use OnShape’s camera controls (orbit, pan, zoom, and rotate) to view their work from different angles.
- Use Basic Sketching Tools: Create sketches using the line tool, arc tool, and curve tool.
- Create and Modify Basic Shapes: Draw and edit basic shapes like rectangles, circles, and ellipses.
- Apply Precise Dimensions: Set exact measurements on their sketches to ensure accuracy.
- Build Closed Figures: Ensure that sketches are complete (all lines connect) for later extrusion into 3D objects.
Teaching Aids
Visual Aids:
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape homepage new part”] – to show how to open a new part.
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape camera controls”] – to illustrate orbit, pan, zoom, and rotate.
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape sketch tools rectangle circle ellipse”] – to display icons and sample sketches.
Required Equipment:
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Computers or Tablets:
- One per student or pair, with OnShape logged in and ready for use.
- Internet access for tutorials and reference materials.
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Interactive Whiteboard or Projector:
- For live demonstrations of the OnShape interface and sketching process.
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Notebooks and Pens:
- For students to take notes and sketch ideas.
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Assistants or Volunteers:
- Additional adults to help guide students through the software.
Structure and Lesson Plan (Total Time: 60 minutes)
1. Introduction and Opening a New Part (10 minutes)
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Welcome:
- “Good morning, Grade 6! Today we’re starting with OnShape, a powerful tool used by professionals for 3D design.”
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Opening a New Part:
- “Let’s begin by opening a new part. From the OnShape homepage, click the ‘Create’ button, then select ‘Document’. This will open a new workspace for you to start your design.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape create new document”]
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Explain What a Sketch Is:
- “A sketch is a 2D drawing made on a flat surface or plane. It acts like a blueprint that you can later turn into a 3D model by adding depth.”
2. Navigating the OnShape Workspace (10 minutes)
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Camera Manipulation:
- “Now, let’s learn how to move around in OnShape.”
- Orbit: “Click and drag with the middle mouse button (or use your trackpad) to orbit around your model.”
- Pan: “Hold the Shift key and drag to move the view across the workspace.”
- Zoom: “Scroll with your mouse wheel or pinch on a trackpad to zoom in and out.”
- Rotate: “Use the rotation tool to change your view for detailed work.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape camera controls”]
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Hands-On Practice:
- “Spend a few minutes practicing these camera moves so you can see your workspace from different angles.”
3. Introduction to Basic Sketching Tools (15 minutes)
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Overview of Sketch Tools:
- “In OnShape, the sketch tool lets you draw 2D shapes on a chosen plane. We’ll use this tool to create our basic shapes.”
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Line Tool:
- “The line tool allows you to draw straight lines. Click once to start a line, and click again to end it.”
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Arc Tool:
- “The arc tool helps you draw curved segments. Click to set the start and end points, and then drag to create the arc.”
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Curve Tool:
- “The curve tool lets you draw freeform curves. Use this for more organic, flowing lines.”
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Circle, Ellipse, and Rectangle:
- “You can also add standard shapes like circles, ellipses, and rectangles. These are essential building blocks for many designs.”
- “For example, a circle might be used for a button, an ellipse for a decorative element, and a rectangle for a base shape.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape sketch tools rectangle circle ellipse”]
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Hands-On Practice:
- “Try drawing a few shapes: a rectangle, a circle, and an ellipse. Experiment with both the straight line and curve tools to see the differences.”
4. Applying Precise Dimensions (15 minutes)
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Importance of Dimensions:
- “Precise dimensions are crucial. They ensure your sketches are exactly how you want them to be and will help when you turn them into 3D models.”
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Setting Dimensions:
- “After you draw a shape, click on it to bring up its properties. Here, you can type in the exact measurements for its width, height, and other features.”
- “For example, if you draw a rectangle for a phone holder, you might set it to be 50 mm wide and 80 mm tall.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape dimension tool”]
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Hands-On Practice:
- “Select each shape you’ve drawn and add dimensions to them. Make sure you understand how each measurement affects your design.”
5. Creating a Closed Figure (5 minutes)
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Explanation:
- “A closed figure means all the lines in your sketch connect with no gaps. This is important because only closed sketches can be extruded into 3D models.”
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Demonstration:
- “Review one of your sketches and ensure that every line connects back to the starting point.”
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Hands-On Practice:
- “Check your sketches now and adjust any open areas so that they form a complete, closed shape.”
6. Sharing and Feedback (5 minutes)
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Student Sharing:
- “Would anyone like to share the sketch they created? Explain which tools you used (line, arc, curve) and the dimensions you set.”
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Peer Feedback:
- “Listen to your classmates and give one positive comment or a suggestion for improvement.”
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Teacher Feedback:
- “Great work everyone! Your sketches are the first step toward creating amazing 3D models. Precision now will make extrusion easier in our next session.”
Glossary
- Sketch: A 2D drawing on a plane that serves as the blueprint for creating 3D models.
- Line Tool: A tool to draw straight lines in a sketch.
- Arc Tool: A tool used to draw curved segments.
- Curve Tool: A tool for drawing freeform, smooth curves.
- Circle/Ellipse/Rectangle: Standard shapes available in OnShape for creating basic geometric forms.
- Dimensions: Exact measurements that define the size and shape of an object.
- Closed Figure: A sketch where all lines connect to form a complete boundary, which is necessary for 3D extrusion.
- Extrusion: The process of adding depth to a 2D sketch to create a 3D object.
For suggestions, improvements, and corrections, feel free to reach out at shayaanhaider@gmail.com