Modelling and assembling complex shapes in Tinkercad
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can model and assemble complex shapes in Tinkercad.
Key learning points
- You can use Group, Ungroup, Align, and Duplicate tools to build complex shapes in Tinkercad.
- The Scribble and Sketch tools are used to create and edit custom shapes.
- Robots are machines that can do tasks; they can sense, think, and act.
- Robots are often used for repetitive, hard or dangerous jobs.
Keywords
Group - join two or more shapes together to make one shape
Sketch - a drawing made up of straight or curved lines
Robot - a machine that can sense, think, and do tasks with some autonomy
Duplicate - make a copy of a shape and repeat its movement
Common misconception
Robots will take all human jobs in the future.
Robots can sometimes replace people in certain jobs, especially when the work is dangerous, boring, or very hard for humans to do. People will still be needed to design, build and program robots.
Teacher tip
Give pupils time to develop their sketching skills in Tinkercad.
Equipment
Computers/laptops, mice, access to Tinkercad.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Tinkercad, what is seen on the screen and is interacted with by using the mouse and keyboard?
Q2.Match the mouse button with the Tinkercad function.
used to select and move objects
used to orbit
used to zoom in and out
used to pan
Q3.What are the white squares that appear around a shape when it is selected called?
Q4.What happens when you click and drag the black cone above a shape?
Q5.What appears if you click the rotation handles that appear around a shape when selected?
Q6.What are the axes called that shapes are rotated around in Tinkercad?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To combine shapes in Tinkercad we use ...
Q2.To line up shapes accurately in Tinkercad, which tool is used?
Q3.What is a bevel?
Q4.What does the scribble tool allow users to do?
Q5.Identify the characteristics of a robot
Q6.Why do the military use robots for explosive removal?
To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: Modelling and assembling complex shapes in Tinkercad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: Modelling and assembling complex shapes in Tinkercad, 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 3 design and technology lessons from the Prototypes with mechanisms: robotics and automation unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.