Although 3D design with tools like TinkerCAD has a lot of built-in "self-differentiation", here are a few ideas to help you differentiate with this lesson and with 3D design in general.
1. Have students sketch designs first on paper and determine which shapes they could bend & stretch to form their 3D figure. This would help scaffold the learning and make the TinkerCAD design process more relatable to complex objects.
2. Encourage students to start small. A great idea for a first design is a keyring of initials or a name. This lesson provides screenshots and an easy guide for students to begin designing and printing.
3. Have beginning designers work in pairs or groups of three. This can help with troubleshooting and generating ideas.
4. Get schooled in 3D printing. There are a lot of great educators doing this work already, and it is easier than ever to connect with them. Follow a blog (one of my favorites is DesignMakeTeach), participate in a Twitter chat to connect with other educators (#makered chat is at 9PM Tuesdays), or go to a conference (ISTE, GaETC, or a district/regional one) to learn more about 3D design and printing.
1. Have students sketch designs first on paper and determine which shapes they could bend & stretch to form their 3D figure. This would help scaffold the learning and make the TinkerCAD design process more relatable to complex objects.
2. Encourage students to start small. A great idea for a first design is a keyring of initials or a name. This lesson provides screenshots and an easy guide for students to begin designing and printing.
3. Have beginning designers work in pairs or groups of three. This can help with troubleshooting and generating ideas.
4. Get schooled in 3D printing. There are a lot of great educators doing this work already, and it is easier than ever to connect with them. Follow a blog (one of my favorites is DesignMakeTeach), participate in a Twitter chat to connect with other educators (#makered chat is at 9PM Tuesdays), or go to a conference (ISTE, GaETC, or a district/regional one) to learn more about 3D design and printing.