3D Design, Modeling & Printing

3D modeling and design is a process used to create three-dimensional objects using computer software. It involves creating a digital 3D model of an object, which can then be 3D printed or used to create a physical prototype. The 3D design process involves creating the digital model, testing the design, and then refining the design until it meets the desired specifications.
In this unit students will venture into the realm of 3D modeling. They will explore the principles of three-dimensional design and learn how to bring ideas to physical form using CAD software. They will begin by designing a simple object by combining digital art skills with 3D design to create a nameplate. The app recommended here is Tinkercad. Tinkercad is web-based (works on a Chromebook), and has been used in the district for years. When you sign up on the link, you will be able to create a class account.

Note: The apps selected on this page are a small sample of what is available. There are many free, powerful CAD (computer aided design) apps and more are being released all the time. The above apps were chosen because they are not only robust, but they have been vetted for use by our district's tech department. It is very important that apps we use with kids are secure, and that they do not collect or use student data in violation of state law. If you know of a web-based app that you want to use with students, make sure that it meets the standards for protecting students' data privacy. Please check with Tim Pappendorf (our head of Tech), and Katie Dorr (our district's technology integration specialist).

Standards

4. Innovative Designer - Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.

Objectives

Students will develop basic CAD (computer aided design) skills by using software to design and print a three dimensional object. They will combine digital art skills with CAD to create a nameplate. To do this, students will need to:

Create their name in a digital art application
Export that text in an appropriate file type
Import that text file into CAD software
Use CAD software to create a nameplate
Export the appropriate file and turn it in to the teacher for printing

Vocabulary

	The button links to the playable version of flashcards created using . Flippity uses a Google spreadsheet and a script to create and display playable flashcards. A copy of this flashcard set is in the 3D modeling folder in the shared Google drive, as is a Flippity template. The window below shows this Flippity file and its list of terms and definitions.

Resources

As stated above, the recommended CAD app to use is Tinkercad. Tinkercad has been used for many years in our district. The terms and conditions state 13 years and older OR permission from a teacher. Please create a class in Tinkercad, and assign your students to that class. In your syllabus, also mention that students will be using this app.

	The button links to a video that shows how to create a class in Tinkercad.
	This button links to a video that shows the basics tools availabe in Tinkercad.
The videos below were created at LaVenture, and are specific to the suggested student nameplate project.
	This link takes you to a unit plan created in Education Copilot. You need to be signed in to a account to see these resources.
	This button links to a Newsela article about students who used their school's 3D printer to print a mechanical hand for a student.

Lesson resources for 6th grade technology class at LaVenture Middle School, 2023