Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can translate, rotate and scale 3D shapes in Tinkercad.

      Key learning points

      1. 3D shapes can be translated in different ways in Tinkercad.
      2. 3D shapes can be rotated in different ways in Tinkercad.
      3. 3D shapes can be scaled in different ways in Tinkercad.
      4. Tinkercad allows objects to be translated, rotated and scaled in different directions.

      Keywords

      • Translating - sliding or moving a shape without rotating or reflecting it

      • Rotating - turn a shape around a fixed point

      • Scaling - enlarging or shrinking a shape

      • Modify - change or alter something

      • Handle - a point on a 3D object that can be grabbed to move or resize it

      Common misconception

      Designs are drawn on paper and then manufactured.

      Computer Aided Design helps designers accurately draw their ideas before manufacturing them.

      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

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does it mean to rotate an object?

      change its colour
      Correct answer: turn it around a point or axis
      make it move faster

      Q2.
      What does it mean to translate an object?

      Correct answer: slide it to a different position
      turn it into another object
      make it spin in the air

      Q3.
      What does it mean to scale an object

      give it a bumpy texture like a fish
      Correct answer: change its size to make it bigger or smaller
      measure how far it can jump

      Q4.
      When rotating an object, what unit is usually used to measure how far it turns?

      kilograms
      millimetres
      millilitres
      Correct answer: degrees

      Q5.
      How do you start a new design in Tinkercad?

      1 - open Tinkercad on a web browser
      2 - log into your Tinkercad classroom
      3 - click create
      4 - choose 3D design

      Q6.
      Match these key words and definitions.

      Correct Answer:Tinkercad,a program used to create 3D designs
      Correct Answer:workplane,a flat surface you can place objects on
      Correct Answer:workspace,the screen showing all the tools and workplane
      Correct Answer:ViewCube,a tool you can click to change the view of your design

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the Tinkercad function to the definition.

      Correct Answer:translating,sliding or moving a shape without rotating or reflecting it
      Correct Answer:rotating,turning a shape around a fixed point
      Correct Answer:scaling,enlarging or shrinking a shape

      Q2.
      If you make a mistake in Tinkercad, you can always an action.

      Correct Answer: undo

      Q3.
      When you click on a rotate handle in Tinkercad, what appears to help you rotate accurately?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: a protractor
      a ruler
      a handle
      a workplane

      Q4.
      Enlarging or shrinking a shape in Tinkercad is known as what?

      sizing
      Correct answer: scaling
      changing
      adapting
      Q3 Tinkercad/Autodesk screen shots reprinted courtesy of Autodesk, Inc.

      To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Modify 3D shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...