The TinkerCAD user interface
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can navigate and use menus on the Tinkercad user interface.
Key learning points
- In Tinkercad, the workplanes are the design area and can be rotated using the Viewcube.
- 3D shapes can be moved in different views in Tinkercad.
- 3D shapes can be combined and altered in Tinkercad.
- Tinkercad can be navigated using a mouse, trackpad or touch screen
Keywords
Tinkercad - an online computer aided design application
Workplane - area where objects are created and edited
ViewCube - changes the viewpoint of the model
Common misconception
Tinkercad is a paid-for software that will cost schools money and is unsafe to use.
Tinkercad is free to use and schools can set up their own classrooms for pupils to work safely in.
Teacher tip
Step-by-step instructions can also be found in the 'Getting started' tutorial. Links to the Tinkercad Classroom can be found in the additional materials.
Equipment
Access to Tinkercad on tablet, chromebook or laptop.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does CAD stand for?
Q2.Put these design and technology activities in the correct order
Q3.Why might you use computer aided design?
Q4.How many faces does a cube have?
Q5.What would be a quick way of sharing a design?
Q6.What does the "D" in 3D stand for?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What are all the faces on the ViewCube called?
Q2.If you moved your thumb and finger apart on a trackpad, what would you expect to happen?
Q3.In Tinkercad, what is the area called where you create your designs?
Q4.What would happen if you clicked this icon?
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: The TinkerCAD user interface, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: The TinkerCAD user interface, 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.