[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a computer software to help create, change, analyse and optimize physical designs.
CAD software can be expensive depending on the provider. There are 2 simple and free ones that I would like to introduce for two different age groups. But first of all, why CAD?
Why use CAD for education?
CAD can be a really fun platform for children to learn many aspects of the school curriculum. The focus of the updated syllabus by the NSW Education Standards Authority is an effort to combine Science and Technology together for a more rounded focus. In the need to push for more STEM professionals in Australia, we need to start from the classrooms.
The Design and Production unit in particular, introduces a vast amount of skillsets from as early as kindergarten. The unit teaches children to develop algorithms, design and produce products, and using integrated systems.
While a student has fun with a CAD software, they can cover a great portion of the Science and Technology curriculum. But it stretches way beyond that. Shapes, geometry, area and volume, axis and planes, English, creative arts, engineering and spatial awareness are only a few to name.
Introduce your students to the fun of CAD using these 2 free software.
Paint 3D for children 5yo+
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”5951″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]If your Windows OS does not already have Paint 3D, you can easily download it at Microsoft store.
Paint 3D is very easy to use. With pre-defined 3D shapes, let their imagination run wild with a cat-a-saurs, or elephant-fish! There will be lots of experimenting with different shapes, sizes and understanding relative positioning. With an older student, why not try calculating volumes of each of the different shapes?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][image_with_animation image_url=”5952″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text]
Studio 2.0 for children 10yo+
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”5950″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Who doesn’t love LEGO? We tap into this global affection for LEGO and turn it into an educational journey.
Originally named “Stud.io” (I love the pun in the name), this free LEGO CAD software can design (or recreate) almost any LEGO model. The LEGO parts are pre-loaded into the software so that you can find all the parts that you need for your build.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]It is a lot more advanced, and requires some background knowledge in Lego part names to help find the pieces required. The software has collision detection feature to help with designing; and a stability checker that reports center of gravity and potentially unstable connections.
While using Studio, students learn about the X, Y, Z-axis, translation, symmetry, physics, critical thinking skills, engineering design process and more. Turn it into team project work with a design challenge to solve real-world problems.[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”5953″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row]