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Lesson 9 of 16
  • Year 10

Fusion fundamentals

I can transition from Tinkercad to Fusion, navigate the Fusion user interface and evaluate different types of 3D CAD modelling.

Lesson 9 of 16
New
New
  • Year 10

Fusion fundamentals

I can transition from Tinkercad to Fusion, navigate the Fusion user interface and evaluate different types of 3D CAD modelling.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Tinkercad and Fusion are cloud based CAD applications.
  2. Tinkercad is based on CSG, which makes it easy to use and accessible, especially for beginners.
  3. Fusion is a sketch based application, based on parametric modelling, giving users more control to create complex models.
  4. Fusion allows users to create complex assemblies, photorealistic renders and technical drawings.

Keywords

  • Constructive solid geometry - creating 3D models by combining simple shapes like cubes (boxes), cylinders, and spheres

  • Parametric solid modelling - creating 3D models as full, solid objects that have volume, mass, and can be tested or 3D printed, using editable parameters

  • Parameters - measurements and rules used when parametric modelling

Common misconception

All CAD modelling is the same, whether working in Tinkercad or Fusion.

Different CAD applications work in three distinct ways, constructive solid geometry, solid modelling and parametric modelling.


To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Fusion fundamentals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

File needed for this lesson

  • OAKgreenhouse 1.87 MB (STEP)

Download this file to use in the lesson.

Set up pupils with Fusion 360 accounts before the lesson. Autodesk education has clear instructions on how to set up and manage classrooms. Download and distribute the greenhouse model before the lesson.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Access to Fusion. Downloadable greenhouse model.

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
CAD stands for Computer Design.

Correct Answer: aided

Q2.
Tinkercad and Fusion are both -based CAD applications.

Correct Answer: cloud

Q3.
Which of these tools is best for beginners?

Correct answer: Tinkercad
Fusion
Blender
AutoCAD

Q4.
Match each term with its meaning:

Correct Answer:CAD,software used for design

software used for design

Correct Answer:3D model,a digital representation of an object with height, width, and depth

a digital representation of an object with height, width, and depth

Correct Answer:cloud-based,runs online rather than being installed on a local computer

runs online rather than being installed on a local computer

Q5.
What can CAD software help designers do?

create sculptures by hand
Correct answer: make precise digital models
record sound
edit photos

Q6.
The three basic 3D shapes used in constructive solid geometry are cubes, cylinders, and ...

Correct Answer: spheres

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Which CAD tool is based on constructive solid geometry (CSG)?

Correct answer: Tinkercad
Fusion
SolidWorks
SketchUp

Q2.
Which CAD software uses parametric modelling?

Tinkercad
Correct answer: Fusion
Onshape
Rhino

Q3.
In parametric solid modelling, are the measurements and rules that define and control the model.

Correct Answer: parameters

Q4.
Match each program to its main characteristic:

Correct Answer:Tinkercad,simple and shape-based (CSG)

simple and shape-based (CSG)

Correct Answer:Fusion,sketch-based, parametric control

sketch-based, parametric control

Correct Answer:Fusion renders,photorealistic images of models

photorealistic images of models

Q5.
Which of these is an advantage of Fusion over Tinkercad?

simpler interface
Correct answer: ability to create assemblies and technical drawings
only works offline
fewer modelling tools

Q6.
Tinkercad is ideal for beginners, while Fusion offers more control for users.

Correct Answer: advanced, experienced