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Year 7 - Design and technology

Design and simulate in Tinkercad

Prototypes with mechanisms: robotics and automation

Unit Summary

Pupils will model with paper and boards and learn about sources and stock forms. They will develop 3D computer-aided design knowledge and skills, applying this by designing and simulating mechanical systems using TinkerCAD.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to design and simulate a complex robot using Tinkercad.

Key Notes

  • In Tinkercad Sim Lab, you can test designs using simulations that include gravity, collisions, and material properties.
  • Simulating is physics based digital testing of CAD models.
  • Several editable variables can be changed in Sim Lab to produce more realistic simulations.
  • Model paths can be traced to compare the performance of different materials when simulating.
  • Basic stability rules should be followed when modelling to ensure parts can be simulated.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • simulation: physics based digital testing of CAD models
  • connector: joins parts together allowing movement
  • stability: the extent to which a model is likely to fall over if a force is applied
  • material: what an object is made from

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • All models can be simulated successfully in Sim Lab.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

In Tinkercad Sim Lab, you can test designs using simulations that include gravity, collisions, and material properties. Simulating is physics based digital testing of CAD models.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'simulation'

physics based digital testing of CAD models.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: All models can be simulated successfully in Sim Lab. Correction: Before being simulated in Sim Lab, models need to be well-designed and stable, considering static and moving parts.

More Lessons In This Unit

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