New
New
Design and simulate in Tinkercad
I can design and simulate a complex robot using Tinkercad.
Lesson 6 of 8
New
New
- Year 7
Design and simulate in Tinkercad
I can design and simulate a complex robot using Tinkercad.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In Tinkercad Sim Lab, you can test designs using simulations that include gravity, collisions, and material properties.
- Simulating is physics based digital testing of CAD models.
- Several editable variables can be changed in Sim Lab to produce more realistic simulations.
- Model paths can be traced to compare the performance of different materials when simulating.
- Basic stability rules should be followed when modelling to ensure parts can be simulated.
Keywords
Simulation - physics based digital testing of CAD models
Connector - joins parts together allowing movement
Stability - the extent to which a model is likely to fall over if a force is applied
Material - what an object is made from
Common misconception
All models can be simulated successfully in Sim Lab.
Before being simulated in Sim Lab, models need to be well-designed and stable, considering static and moving parts.
Like physical experimentation, ask pupils to change one aspect at a time when simulating.
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
6 Questions
Q1.Match the connector to the function.
Match the connector to the function.
Q2.What should you do to ensure a part spins on centre when using an axle connector?
What should you do to ensure a part spins on centre when using an axle connector?
group parts
duplicate parts
ungroup parts
Q3.When adding connectors in your model, you might want certain parts to not move and be ...
When adding connectors in your model, you might want certain parts to not move and be ...
Q4.The pivot connector relies on two parts, one static and the other ...
The pivot connector relies on two parts, one static and the other ...
grouped.
scaled.
aligned.
Q5.What would you click to add more control to your simulation by using the keyboard?
What would you click to add more control to your simulation by using the keyboard?
Edit reactions.
Edit parts.
Edit connections.
Q6.Which is correct definition for simulate?
Which is correct definition for simulate?
unrealistic based digital simulation of CAD models
physics based physical simulation of CAD models
unrealistic based physical simulation of CAD models
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Tinkercad Sim Lab allows based digital testing of CAD models.
Tinkercad Sim Lab allows based digital testing of CAD models.
Q2.What is the area called where a simulation happens?
What is the area called where a simulation happens?
location
workspace
screen
Q3.What variables can be changed on an axle connector continuous motor?
What variables can be changed on an axle connector continuous motor?
sound
distance
Q4.Model can be traced to compare the performance of different materials when simulating.
Model can be traced to compare the performance of different materials when simulating.
