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Lesson 2 of 8

3D Modelling in Tinkercad

I can interact with and navigate the Tinkercad workspace to model basic designs.

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Lesson 2 of 8
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3D Modelling in Tinkercad

I can interact with and navigate the Tinkercad workspace to model basic designs.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer applications to model 3 dimensional designs.
  2. Tinkercad is a CAD application that can be accessed for free online.
  3. The workspace is what is seen and interacted with on screen using the mouse and keyboard.
  4. The workplane is the space used for designing on when using computer-aided design.
  5. There are usually three buttons on the mouse that can be used to interact with Tinkercad.

Keywords

  • Workspace - what is seen and interacted with on screen when using computer-aided design

  • Workplane - the space used for designing on when using computer-aided design

  • Pan - moving the view from left to right or up and down

  • Orbit - rotating the view in three dimensions

Common misconception

CAD applicatons like Tinkercad just allow you to recreate an idea or design as a digital version.

CAD applications like Tinkercad are great for creating ideas and designs in a digital 3D world. They can also help you test your design and even simulate how it could work.

Use the additional materials to set up your class prior to the lesson. Some pupils may lack experience in using a computer mouse. Allow pupils time to become familiar with moving a computer mouse around the screen and pressing the buttons.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Computers/laptops, mice, access to Tinkercad.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Select the types of paper from the list.

Correct answer: layout
Correct answer: grid
duplex
foil-lined

Q2.
Paper is measured in gsm, what does gsm stand for?

Correct Answer: grams per square metre, grams square metre

Q3.
Paper is available in ISO standard sizes. What is the ISO?

Correct answer: International Organisation for Standardisation
International Organisation for Sizes
International Organisation for Sorting
International Organisation for Samples

Q4.
Foil-lined board is often used for packaging ...

Correct answer: food.
electronics.
furniture.
clothing.

Q5.
The term refers to a single layer or sheet in a multi-layered material.

Correct Answer: ply

Q6.
Put these stages of paper production in order.

1 - trees
2 - debarking
3 - chipper
4 - pulpers
5 - paper making rollers

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
CAD stands for computer-aided .

Correct Answer: design, designing

Q2.
On a computer mouse, what is the middle mouse button called?

right hand button
Correct answer: rollerball
left hand button
middle button
scrollball

Q3.
Match the function with its correct definition.

Correct Answer:black cone,allows you to move the shape off the workplane

allows you to move the shape off the workplane

Correct Answer:handles,black and white cubes that are used to resize the shape

black and white cubes that are used to resize the shape

Correct Answer:protractor,allows you to freely rotate your shape

allows you to freely rotate your shape

Correct Answer:pan,moving the view from left to right or up and down

moving the view from left to right or up and down

Correct Answer:orbit,rotating the view in three dimensions

rotating the view in three dimensions

Q4.
What are the three axes in Tinkercad?

X, Y and A
X, Y and T
Correct answer: X, Y and Z
X, Y and W

Lesson appears in

UnitDesign and technology / Prototypes with mechanisms: robotics and automation

Design and technology

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