Construct3D 2020

Participants in this workshop will need to bring a laptop, as they will be actively working with TinkerCAD, as well as utilizing digital design community sites such as Thingiverse or the NIH 3D Print Exchange. First, participants will be given a short hands-on crash course simultaneously on how to use TinkerCAD and how to quickly get your students acquainted with TinkerCAD. Participants will then choose from a list of digital design projects related to different subject areas and work either in groups to delve into their projects, exploring how it can be adapted for different subject areas, grade levels, and learning contexts. The groups will then come together discuss observations about their projects. At the end of the session we will discuss some of the pitfalls and challenges associated with implementing digital design in the classroom, how to avoid false engagement, and how to get past the learning of the technology so that students can learn through the technology, not only exploring multiple content areas through digital design and fabrication but also developing high-order, 21st century skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.