Rapid Prototyping & 3D Printing
In this unit, students will learn the basics of how to create custom, 3D printed components using Tinkercad. Students will gain confidence as they design and print a custom airplane propeller that snaps onto a model airplane. Then, students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned throughout the unit as they participate in a fun free build challenge.
Included Curriculum:
5 Lessons
Minimum Time Commitment:
(9) 60-Minute Class Periods
Grade Level:
6th - 8th
Lessons
Taking Flight, Part 1 - Exploring the Tinkercad Workspace
In this lesson, students will start out using Kid Spark engineering materials to assemble an airplane model that is missing a propeller. Then, students will set up a Tinkercad account and explore the Tinkercad workspace.
Lesson Time:
30 - 40 Minutes
STEM Lab: STEM Pathways Lab
Taking Flight, Part 2 - Importing and Manipulating Objects
In this lesson, students will explore Kid Spark’s 3D virtual parts library. Students will also learn how to import and manipulate objects in Tinkercad as they prepare to create a new propeller for the airplane they built in Part 1.
Lesson Time:
30 - 40 Minutes
STEM Lab: STEM Pathways Lab
Taking Flight, Part 3 - Creating a New Design
In this lesson, students will learn how to use some of the basic tools in Tinkercad as they create a custom propeller for their airplane. Students will create a 3D, virtual propeller and prepare it for 3D printing.
Lesson Time:
40 - 60 Minutes
STEM Lab: STEM Pathways Lab
Taking Flight, Part 4 - 3D Printing a Design
In this lesson, students will learn how to 3D print the custom airplane propeller they designed throughout the previous lessons. After the propeller has successfully printed, students will clean it and snap it on the airplane.
Lesson Time:
120 Minutes
STEM Lab: STEM Pathways Lab
Free Build Challenge
In this lesson, students will be challenged to design a custom, 3D printed component that can be integrated into a Kid Spark project or build.
Lesson Time:
120 - 180 Minutes
STEM Lab: STEM Pathways Lab
Unit Assessment
In this performance-based assessment, students will complete a series of tasks as they demonstrate their understanding of the core ideas and concepts that were covered throughout this unit.
STEM Lab: STEM Pathways Lab