Kids can learn 3D design principles in the classroom or at home with Tinkercad. (Photo by Alena Darmel)Tinkercad is a completely free app that helps people to imagine, design and create in highly accessible ways.
Designed with STEM learning in mind, Tinkercad allows for amazing exploration of 3D design, circuits, and code blocks. The intention behind the app is to provide “mind to design in minutes,” making it possible for students and adults with minimal experience to jump right in to creating.
From placing shapes to adjusting objects or combining elements, Tinkercad makes the process of 3D design intuitive and easy to follow. You can also create, program and simulate electrical circuits, or create section of block code, which can then be integrated into 3D designs.
There’s a huge project library that can be accessed on Tinkercad. It includes instructions and models for all sorts of things, from 3D printed flower presses to laser cut walking robots. Designed for learners ages 13 and up, some of the projects are cognitively hefty and intended for more independent learners. Younger kids, however, could explore some of the ideas with the help of an adult. In addition to the web browser program, Tinkercad also has an iPad app, allowing for creation on the go.
Tinkercad was designed with teachers and classrooms in mind. With Tinkercad Classrooms, teachers can create assignments, monitor student progress on tasks, and receive finished projects. There are a good number of lesson plans and projects available for teachers to access and use in their classrooms, all of which are aligned with ISTE, Common Core and NGSS standards.
Super engaging and easy to use, Tinkercad would be a great addition to any classroom. It’s also a fun weekend or side project for kids wanting to learn more about circuits, 3D modeling or block coding. Enjoy poking around the website, we sure did!
Anne Choquette
Place Princess
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