Tinkering with Tinkercad

Over the past few years 3D printing has become more popular and affordable to schools and the general public. Students all over the world are being exposed to programs like Tinkercad to create 3D objects and print them right in the classroom! 

"3D printing in education is unique compared to other technologies. The mindset of the student becomes one where it is okay to fail and encourages experimentation in their learning." - Dale Nicholla 

3D printing along with the Design Thinking Process (Emphasize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) allows kids to create object to solve every day problems. Check out these second graders that designed a foot for a chicken they hatched in class! 

Our MakerClub kids were not quite making chicken feet today but they had a great time learning how to use Tinkercad with Mr. Marten. The few times I walked in to see what they were creating and I was surprised to see how quickly they picked it up! Tinkercad is a FREE program kids can use at home on any type of computer to design projects. I can't wait to see where they take it. 

However 3D printing is not for everyone, so in true MakerSpace fashion we had some other awesome creating going on today. We broke out the green screen for the kids to play and act in front of. The boys also got to test out the ramp they made last week with the Sphero (robotic ball that is controlled by the iPad).