shady grove

Tinkering with 3D-printing

Henrico Learner Profile (HLP) Attributes & Skills

5th Grade: Math, Science, Reading/ELA

DLIS: Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker

AASL: Inquire, Explore, & Include


Learning EXPERIenCE

Students in grades K-5 read multiple versions of the Cinderella fairytale where they explored the cultural differences between the stories, story elements, and plot development. They extended this learning through coding lessons and STEM projects specific to their grade level. Fifth grade expanded student learning by diving into the world of 3-dimensional design using Tinkercad. Students had a choice of designing a new carriage for Cinderella or a new home for Cinderella and Prince Charming to reside in after they were married. They connected their knowledge of geometric shapes, measurement, and spatial reasoning as they went through the engineering design process in order to print their final design using 3D-printers. Throughout the process students learned how to reflect, persevere, and troubleshoot in Tinkercad and 3D-printing. 

What the students like about this experience: 

“A lot of the jobs that elementary school students will one day do, haven’t even been created yet. This type of work with Tinkercad and 3D-printing will help prepare us for those jobs.” - Julia G.

“One challenge was manipulating the shapes to get the perfect design.” - Asher F.

"But remember, perfection doesn't exist. You can constantly improve your design and make it better." - Anna-Neale H.

What the teacher likes about this experience: 

"In education today, we are striving to make our students lifelong learners.  Being a lifelong learner is extremely important with the speed at which technology is changing and enhancing both the workplace and everyday life.  When students hit the workplace place, employers are expecting them to have the skills to collaborate with peers, be innovative, and adapt and persevere through challenges. I love that our Tinkercad project has done just that. Students had to learn a new technology, improvise during challenges, and create something new, all while going through the engineering design cycle." - Gretta DeNicola


Additional Pictures/Media/ARTIFACTS

DeNicola - Henrico 21.mp4

Students learning how to use Tinkercad.

Students planning their design.

Students building their design in Tinkercad.

An example of a student's final 3D-printed design.

Thank you to the innovators that helped make this experience possible: