Unit 16 - Year 3 Lessons

Overview

Students will create a vase using MakerLab tools in Tinkercad, then extend their modeling skills by designing chess pieces.

Target skills:

• Creative Problem Solving
• Systems Thinking
• Visual Communication

Tools:

• Tinkercad
• MakerLab

Outputs:

• Printable vase model
• Custom chess piece design

Week 1 - Vase and Coloring

Lesson 1 - Build a Vase

Goal: create a vase model using the MakerLab workflow in Tinkercad.

Teacher prep:

• Show how MakerLab differs from standard Tinkercad modeling
• Prepare print workflow if available

Steps:

1. Open Tinkercad and sign in.
2. Open the vase-making workflow in MakerLab.
   
   
3. Create a vase shape and review its profile.
4. Save the design and prepare it for printing.

Check for understanding:

• Students can create a recognizable vase form.
• Students understand that the piece can be printed.

Extension:

• Try a taller or wider vase variation.

Lesson 2 - Paint or Extend

Goal: decorate a printed vase if available or continue with Tinkercad design work.

Teacher prep:

• Prepare paint if prints are ready

Steps:

1. Reopen the previous file if unfinished.
2. If a vase is printed, paint it.
3. If finished, begin recreating KEA classrooms in Tinkercad.

Check for understanding:

• Students complete either the digital or painted version.
• Students can explain how they changed the vase shape.

Extension:

• Design a matching second vase.

Week 2 - Chess Pieces

Lesson 1 - Design Chess Pieces

Goal: create one or more custom chess pieces for printing.

Teacher prep:

• Prepare reference examples of simple chess shapes

Steps:

1. Reuse the Week 1 workflow and open a new design.
2. Make a chess piece such as a king or horse.
3. Copy from regular pieces or create your own style.
4. Prepare one piece for 3D printing.

Check for understanding:

• Students produce a recognizable chess piece.
• Students can describe which piece they made.

Extension:

• Design a matching set style.

Lesson 2 - Continue the Chess Set

Goal: continue improving or expanding the chess-piece design.

Teacher prep:

• Encourage refinement rather than rushing quantity

Steps:

1. Reopen the chess piece file.
2. Improve the shape or details.
3. Start another piece if time allows.

Check for understanding:

• Students improve their earlier work.
• Students can compare two different piece designs.

Extension:

• Plan a full custom set theme.