As a STEM educator, one of my greatest joys is watching students bring their ideas to life. With the growing importance of design thinking and 3D printing, I wanted to create something that would not only teach the technical skills of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) but also ignite students’ imaginations. That’s why I’m excited to introduce my newest product line—IMAGI-CAD!
What is IMAGI-CAD?
At its core, IMAGI-CAD merges the structured learning of Tinkercad with the limitless potential of creativity. Each project begins with a guided design where students learn foundational CAD skills by creating something simple, like a pumpkin or a superhero shield. But here’s where the magic happens—once the basic design is complete, the students take the lead. They’re encouraged to use their imagination and creativity to transform these designs into something uniquely their own.
For example:
- After designing the basic shape of a pumpkin, students can add their own faces, textures, or decorations, making each jack-o’-lantern as unique as they are.
- We might start with a basic superhero shield, but students get to create design and superpower that showcases students’ vision.
No 3D Printer? No Problem!
One of the best parts about IMAGI-CAD is that you don’t need a 3D printer to bring these lessons to life. The focus is on building design skills within Tinkercad, a free, web-based platform that’s accessible for students. While having a 3D printer can enhance the experience by allowing students to physically print their creations, it’s not a requirement. These lessons are all about exploring digital design, teaching students how to visualize and create in a 3D space. Whether your classroom has access to a printer or not, students will still benefit from learning how to turn their creative ideas into 3D models.
The Benefits of IMAGI-CAD in the Classroom:
- Promotes creativity and innovation: Students learn to think beyond the basics and envision something more.
- Builds confidence: By completing part of the design themselves, students feel empowered in their ability to create.
- Encourages critical thinking: IMAGI-CAD tasks push students to figure out how to bring their ideas to life, teaching valuable problem-solving skills.
- Fun and flexible: Whether you’re using it as part of your 3D printing curriculum or a one-time creative project, IMAGI-CAD fits into various classroom settings.
If you’re looking for a way to take your Tinkercad lessons to the next level while allowing your students to explore their creativity, IMAGI-CAD might just be the perfect addition to your classroom. I’m so excited to see how your students’ imaginations soar with this new line of products.
Stay tuned for more updates, sample projects, and tips on how to make the most of IMAGI-CAD in your classroom. Let’s make design thinking fun and imaginative!
