Create your own
teaching resources

Sign up for a free account to try! It takes less than 20 seconds

Create free account
Teacherbot 20 Jan, 16:41:37

Introduction

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a powerful tool for creating designs. It can be used to create detailed plans for architecture, engineering, manufacturing and other professional needs. Students may have some familiarity with CAD but often lack the confidence or skills to make effective use of the tools. This lesson plan is intended to provide bachelor students with a foundation in the basics of CAD, to increase their confidence in using the software.

Lesson Outline

I. Introduction to CAD and its place in the design process (10 minutes) A. Overview of the CAD tools and their applications B. Discussion of the benefits of using CAD

II. The fundamentals of CAD (20 minutes) A. Learning the basic tools and functions B. Understanding how to use the interface

III. Creating 2D and 3D designs (30 minutes) A. Using layers and snap tools to create accurate designs B. Working with shapes, points, lines and curves C. Applying color and textures

IV. Exporting and importing designs (20 minutes) A. Saving files for different applications B. Exporting for 3D printing

V. Design projects to reinforce the learning (30 minutes) A. Develop a personalized project plan B. Use any available datasets C. Share designs with a partner

Questioning

Throughout the lesson, questions should be used to check and challenge students’ understanding of the topics covered. Here are a few key questions to include in the lesson:

  1. What is the primary purpose of CAD software?
  2. What are the four fundamental functions of CAD tools?
  3. What types of designs can be created with CAD?
  4. What is the benefit of using CAD for 3D printing?

Hands-On Exercises

In order to gain confidence and practice with the tools, hands-on exercises are essential. Here are some suggested exercises for the lesson plan:

  1. Create a simple 2D design with shapes and colors.
  2. Download a 3D dataset and create a 3D design.
  3. Using the layers and snap tools, create a more complex design with curved lines.
  4. Export and import a design to another software platform.

Assessment

Whether the assessment is a formal assessment or informal review of student work, it is important to measure students’ understanding and confidence in using the software. The following assessment elements could be used:

  1. Written test or quiz covering the concepts discussed in class.
  2. Critique of the student’s created designs.
  3. Presentation of the student’s project, including an explanation of their creative process and the application of the CAD tools.

Online Learning Resources and 3D Datasets

• Autodesk Learn: https://learn.autodesk.com/ • Blender: https://www.blender.org/ • SketchUp: https://www.sketchup.com/ • 3D Warehouse: https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/ • NASA 3D Resources: https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/ • Hubble 3D Dataset: http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2008/37/