Building Block

thingiverse

This block is a straightforward cube with a cylinder atop it and a matching hole at its base. Multiple versions can be printed to create large designs. The block doesn't need to be a cube; try other shapes, such as spheres or triangular prisms, but ensure the top shape matches the hole at the bottom. How I Designed This What I Did I inserted a cube shape into TinkerCAD and created a cylinder on top as a connector, then duplicated it for placement at the base and transformed it into a hole. Finally, I grouped these three shapes together. Project: Building Block Objectives Students will learn basic TinkerCAD use and understand 3D shapes better. Audiences This project is suitable for students in 3rd grade and above, as well as anyone familiar with computers can complete this project. Preparation A computer with internet access is necessary to access TinkerCAD. Prior experience with 3D printing is not required. Steps Have the students pull a relevant 3D shape from TinkerCAD's sidebar. Let them alter it however they like. Pull another shape suitable for a connector and its matching hole, preferably one with flat top and bottom surfaces. Place this on top of the existing shape. Show the students how to duplicate that connector and place it under the original shape while selecting 'hole'. This is where other blocks' connectors will go. Group all three shapes together, and you're done. Tip: For a more hands-on experience, have all students use the same connector shape in the same size with different block shapes to connect the pieces and count the number of students or just use them as counting blocks. Results By project completion, students will have mastered TinkerCAD basics and learned other concepts based on how the blocks are used once printed. Grade students on their participation in this project.