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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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.
      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

      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

      To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: 3D Modelling in Tinkercad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...