It was not that long ago that I assumed 3D printing was out of reach for both myself and students, maybe even last week. Today I was introduced to Tinkercad, a free, easy to use, 3D cad design tool.
There are so many things about 3D printing and design that I don't know. For example, as I was typing the word CAD I realized that was new to me as well. If you google the definition of the word cad, you will read: a man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward woman. That didn't seem right, so I kept scrolling and found it defined as computer aided design. I think it's safe to assume the later to be the correct definition.
Tinkercad is super easy to use for kids, and adults too. I am excited to have my students create actual models of their various prototypes and visualizations. I think using it in the classroom will push students Critical Thinking and Creativity skills.
I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that printing something with a 3D printer was WAY cheaper than I had assumed.
They estimated just a few bucks for a small printout. Here I thought it was hundreds of dollars to print something. Oops!
Now I just need to get a 3D printer in my school! Until then I'll be bugging the near by high school to use theirs.