Unit 16 - Year 2 Lessons

Overview

Students will design a KEA symbol keyring in Tinkercad, export it for printing, and then paint or extend their 3D work.

Target skills:

• Creative Problem Solving
• Visual Communication
• Systems Thinking

Tools:

• Tinkercad
• 3D printer workflow

Outputs:

• KEA keyring STL file
• Printed and painted keyring or classroom remake extension

Week 1 - KEA Symbol Keyring

Lesson 1 - Build the Keyring

Goal: recreate the KEA symbol as a printable keyring.

Teacher prep:

• Set up the KEA KEYRING class activity
• Prepare the export workflow to Google Drive

Steps:

1. Open Tinkercad and sign in.
2. Join the class activity KEA KEYRING and create a new design.
3. Use the drawing tool to shape the book form.
   
4. Use the drawing tool again to create the first and second leaf forms.
   
5. Add the text KEA above the symbol.
   
6. Create a flat base shape underneath so all parts connect.
   
7. Add a round ring shape, about 10 mm diameter and 2 mm width, with height 3 mm.
   
8. Export the model as STL when complete.

Check for understanding:

• Students create a joined printable design.
• Students can identify where the ring connects to the main symbol.

Extension:

• Adjust the shape style or lettering.

Lesson 2 - Continue or Recreate the Classroom

Goal: finish the keyring or begin a classroom remake extension.

Teacher prep:

• Prepare a simple classroom-remake prompt

Steps:

1. Reopen the keyring project if unfinished.
2. Export the final STL if needed.
3. If complete, begin designing a classroom scene in Tinkercad.

Check for understanding:

• Students complete the main keyring task.
• Students can save or export their work correctly.

Extension:

• Add a second keyring variation.

Week 2 - Print and Paint

Lesson 1 - Finish and Decorate

Goal: complete printing work and paint the finished keyrings if available.

Teacher prep:

• Prepare printed pieces and coloring materials

Steps:

1. Review any unfinished digital work.
2. If prints are ready, hand out the printed keyrings.
3. Use markers or acrylic paint to color the designs.
4. If finished early, continue with classroom recreation in Tinkercad.

Check for understanding:

• Students complete a physical or digital artifact.
• Students can explain how their design moved from model to print.

Extension:

• Add extra details to a classroom remake design.

Lesson 2 - Classroom Recreation

Goal: continue using Tinkercad for a school/classroom recreation if the print task is complete.

Teacher prep:

• Encourage students to break the classroom into simple shapes

Steps:

1. Open a new or saved Tinkercad file.
2. Recreate furniture or simple classroom shapes.
3. Combine basic forms into a larger classroom scene.

Check for understanding:

• Students can build using multiple shapes together.
• Students continue working independently after the keyring project.

Extension:

• Add doors, desks, or wall details.