Category: EdTech Inquiry

Kids want to solve real world problems! Wouldn’t you also rather design a solution for a real problem rather than a project for the sake of an assignment?

Under the “New” BC curriculum there is an emphasis on constructivism and inquiry-based learning which begs to be supported by design and building such as that offered by Tinkercad. By encouraging cross-curricular learning in a Makerspace environment, kids can grow their core competencies of critical thinking, problem solving, collaboarative learning, active listening, communication, & creative thinking, through project based inquiry.

Kevin and I are wondering how to carry our cold drink cans with us hands free when we are cycling or camping. Well let’s take a look at the process of brainstorming to design to fabrication to presentation and how this could look in an elementary or middle school classroom.

Here is a suggested process of introducing Tinkercad to your classroom—adapted from Instructables.com.

• Get to know Tools yourself (Tinkercad, +/- Fusion 360, +/- 3D printer)
  • It will be easier to help students when they encounter difficulties if you know the program and have already worked them out.
• Set up classroom for tinkercad 
  • computers, 3D software, internet, +/- mice
  • Other useful tools include Makerspace materials, such as clay, popsicle sticks, glue, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, string, recyclable products & blocks for prototyping designs and brainstorming.

• Move from a 2D lens to a 3D lens when looking at your curriculum   
  • Look for opportunities to enhance learning by linking curriculum topics to core competencies and ASDT curriculum through cross-curricular projects with problem solving and design components.
  • Explore with students the tinkercad gallery or Thingiverse (sharing design files) to get started.
  • Watch videos of Tinkercad enthusiasts.

• Collaborate with colleagues! 
  • If another educator has valuable experience in using Tinkercad, ask them to showcase their design knowledge once you’ve scaffolded the students with the necessary factual information. 
  • Use Makerspace time to expand cross-curricular projects and engage seamlessly with core-competencies. (see Alison Galloway St. Mike’s school)

• Start with a simple project. Don’t overthink it!
  • Don’t write instructions, just co-create a rubric with students so they focus on their own creativity.
  • Tinkercad features step-by-step no fail lessons such as: make a ruler & make a clock.
  • If groups of students are designing their own board game then maybe only one student is working to make game pieces on tinkercad (while others make the board, writing instructions, etc…)

• Set up a Tinkercad virtual classroom—Tutorial.
  • Invite students to join
  • Assign projects
  • Collects work for evidence of learning
• Suggestions for Tinkercad projects to get you started: 
  • Design your own game piece or key chain
  • Design a board game 
  • Design a maze
  • Map an ideal classroom
  • Recreate a lost family memento as a gift
  • Design and race balloon powered (vehicles?)
  • Solve real world problems (related to science, social studies, or your biggest pet peeve, etc…)
  • Check out the Tinkercad blog!

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After tinkering is done, be sure to:

• Share student work
  • Project presentations
  • Idea bulletin board with their designs, or 
  • 3D printing for displays
• Assess
  • Self assessments at each stage
  • Drafts by stage (ideas, designs, prototypes, redesigns, final products)
  • Cumulative product or display for summative assessment with a brief reflection on the process, the challenges, and what lessons were learned.