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This is preview content for the 2026-27 academic year. Your feedback will help us improve these units.
Learning objective
- To communicate and refine design ideas clearly using CAD software.
Success criteria
- I can create 3D CAD designs that clearly
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National curriculum
Design and technology
Design
Pupils
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Cross-curricular links
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Explain that the children will work with a partner to spot which constraint has not been followed. Show slide 1 of the Presentation: What is the problem? Look at the image and ask pairs to discuss the problem.
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Extended-mode explainer videos
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Extended-mode explainer video: For Mac
Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows
Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
- Could use the Resource: Designing on Tinkercad to support the design process.
- Could focus on creating one iteration of the product before developing a second design.
- Could have the videos from the Presentation: Designing a micro:bit shape on Tinkercad playing on a loop to support step-by-step modelling.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should compare their designs against the constraints throughout the process to ensure both meet the criteria.
- Should make iterative improvements by editing and refining their designs on Tinkercad.
- Could design additional features for the micro:bit buttons.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Use Tinkercad to create two different 3D designs
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Vocabulary definitions
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alternative
Different design that meets the same requirements but is arranged or presented in another way.
-
constraints
A limit or condition when making a product.
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