Complex 3D shapes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make and manipulate objects to create a complex 3D design in Tinkercad.
Key learning points
- Compound shapes can be reflected using the Mirror tool.
- 3D shapes can be aligned accurately using the Align tools.
- Combining compound shapes form complex shapes
Keywords
Mirror - flip a shape accross a fixed line
Rotate - turn a shape around a fixed point
Align - arrange shapes in order
Complex shapes - shapes made of many different shapes, including combining compound shapes
Common misconception
Mirror is the same as rotate.
Rotating complex or compound shapes will not always have the same outcome as when mirroring a shape.
Teacher tip
Step-by-step instructions can also be found in the 'Getting started' tutorial. A Tinkercad classroom can be set up for each class with prepared designs.
Equipment
Access to Tinkercad on tablet, chromebook or laptop.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a compound shape in Tinkercad?
Q2.What does the 'Duplicate' tool do in Tinkercad?
Q3.How do you make a hollow shape in Tinkercad?
Q4.What must you do before combining two shapes into one in Tinkercad?
Q5.If you want to make a shape with a hole in the centre, what should you do?
Q6.If you want to make four identical shapes in a row, which tool is best to use?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does it mean if a shape turns into a light grey colour with dots in Tinkercad?
Q2.What does the 'Align' tool help you do?
Q3.Match each action to what happens when you use the mirror tool in Tinkercad
Creates a backward version of the shape
Flips the shape across the horizontal axis
Flips the shape across the vertical axis
Q4.Put these steps in the correct order to mirror a shape in Tinkercad.
Q5.What is a complex 3D shape?
Q6.How many handles appear when using the Mirror tool?
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Complex 3D shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Complex 3D shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 design and technology lessons from the CAD structures: architecture unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.