Exploring Shape, Form, and 3D Modeling With TinkerCAD

This project is created by a Senior in Eastern Michigan University’s K-12 Visual Arts Education program.

TinkerCAD is a great website for upper-elementary students to explore using shapes to create forms in art. In this lesson, students use the 3D modeling feature in TinkerCAD to create "desk pets". This lesson would best work for students familiar with TinkerCAD's 3d modeling interface. Before starting this lesson, it is recommended students complete the "Get Started" activities under TinkerCAD's 3D modeling tab.

Overview of desk pets

Desk pets are a positive reinforcement strategy created by Marissa Begay. Often, desk pets are small animal shaped erasers that young students earn “food” or “accessories” for. These incentives can be earned through criteria set by the teacher, such as displaying positive behaviors. Rather than taking the traditional route of animal shaped erasers, students can create their own desk pets with TinkerCAD and a 3D printer.

National Art Education Association Standards

VA:Cn10.1.5a:

Apply formal and conceptual vocabularies of art and design to view surroundings in new ways through artmaking.

VA:Cr2.2.5a

Demonstrate quality craftsmanship through care for and use of materials, tools, and equipment

VA:Pr5.1.5a

Develop a logical argument for safe and effective use of materials and techniques for preparing and presenting artwork

Vocabulary

CAD: Computer Aided Design, the use of computer systems to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design

Shape: An element of art that is two-dimensional, flat, or limited to height and width

Form: An element of art that is three-dimensional and encloses

Graphics designed on Canva

Supplies

TinkerCAD (access to 3d modeling component as well as an account)

Computer or laptop with reliable internet access.

Google Images or other image search website

Google Slides or equivalent program

USB mouse (optional)

3D Printer

Step 1: Choose an Animal

First, choose a reference image of the animal for your desk pet. Students may use an image search website like Google Images, an image of their pet, or draw their own animal as their reference image. For my example, I chose an image of a cat on Getty Images.

Step 2: Shape Up Your Animal

Next, have students place shapes that are similar to the head, body, legs, ears, tail, and other body parts onto the image of your animal. This will serve as a reference for what shapes students will use in TinkerCAD. Students can either draw the shapes onto the image of your animal or drag and drop shapes onto the image in a presentation-making software like Google Slides. Challenge students to use multiple shapes to make up different forms in their selected animal.

Step 3: Starting TinkerCAD

After students have their shapes plotted out, transition to TinkerCAD. Once on TinkerCAD, have students create a new 3D design. Before students start designing, have them rename their design following this format: LastnameFirstname_DeskPet.

Step 4: Translating Shapes Into Forms

Have students translate their plotted shapes on their reference image into forms on their 3D design. Encourage students to take their time and have patience with this process.

Step 5: Add Some Details

Once students have translated their shapes into forms to create their animal, encourage students to add details. For example, students may add eyes, mouths, or more forms in the animal's body.

Step 6: Print Finished Designs!

Once students have finished their animals, print their completed models. The pictured sample measured about 2 inches tall. It is up to the instructor's discretion if they would like to have students involved in the printing process.

Step 7: Possible Modifications

A possible modification to this lesson may be encouraging students to draw their own creature rather than relying on preexisting images. Another modification would be skipping the adding details stage for younger students as this requires more patience. Also, instructors may choose not to 3D print the final forms if a 3D printer is not available.

Step 8: Some Creative Ideas

After printing the desk pets, students may choose to paint their animals, create enclosures, or model accessories for their animals. Also, it may be used as an incentive for students to have opportunities to print accessories they modeled for their desk pet.