Tinkercad: Zwischen tüfteln und herumspielen

Tinkercad: Zwischen tüfteln und herumspielen

11. Jg. (2024), Nr. 2 | Isabella Linzer-Sommer
Tinkercad is a free web-based 3D design, electronics, and coding tool by Autodesk. It allows for quick creation of 3D printable files. In the ScienceCenter network, "tinkering" is translated as "tinkering" or "technical tinkering," meaning playing with things. This article explores how Tinkercad can be used to teach geometry in the classroom and develop students' spatial visualization skills. The article first outlines characteristics that a CAD package should have to effectively teach geometry in a school context. It then presents basic functions of Tinkercad and highlights its limitations. The article discusses the importance of geometric content in the curriculum and how CAD software can support it. It outlines criteria for evaluating CAD software in the classroom, emphasizing geometric aspects such as basic solids, Boolean operations, transformations, and construction tools. Tinkercad is noted for its ease of use and availability, making it suitable for introductory lessons. However, it has limitations, such as the absence of the intersection operation in Boolean functions and limited spatial transformations. Despite these limitations, Tinkercad is useful for introducing students to 3D software and fostering creativity through tinkering. It is not, however, designed for more advanced geometric teaching. The article concludes that while CAD software can be a valuable tool, it is essential to choose software that can effectively teach the desired competencies.Tinkercad is a free web-based 3D design, electronics, and coding tool by Autodesk. It allows for quick creation of 3D printable files. In the ScienceCenter network, "tinkering" is translated as "tinkering" or "technical tinkering," meaning playing with things. This article explores how Tinkercad can be used to teach geometry in the classroom and develop students' spatial visualization skills. The article first outlines characteristics that a CAD package should have to effectively teach geometry in a school context. It then presents basic functions of Tinkercad and highlights its limitations. The article discusses the importance of geometric content in the curriculum and how CAD software can support it. It outlines criteria for evaluating CAD software in the classroom, emphasizing geometric aspects such as basic solids, Boolean operations, transformations, and construction tools. Tinkercad is noted for its ease of use and availability, making it suitable for introductory lessons. However, it has limitations, such as the absence of the intersection operation in Boolean functions and limited spatial transformations. Despite these limitations, Tinkercad is useful for introducing students to 3D software and fostering creativity through tinkering. It is not, however, designed for more advanced geometric teaching. The article concludes that while CAD software can be a valuable tool, it is essential to choose software that can effectively teach the desired competencies.
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