Digital Sculpture

This two-part Digital Sculpture lesson introduces students to the creation of 3D art using CAD modelling and digital sculpting tools. Students are challenged to use TinkerCAD or Fusion360 to create a basic 3D sculpture. If more time is available and the required hardware is accessible, students can be challenged to use MeshMixer to refine their models before 3D printing them.
Subjects
Design and TechnologyMathematicsArt and DesignHumanitiesScience
Years | Grades
9th Grade | 13-14 years10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years
Duration
Lesson 1: 90 minutes Lesson 2: 90 minutes Print Time: Dependent on design

Digital sculpture trailer
Play 0:37

Objectives

  • Use prototyping and shortlisting techniques to select and create a final design sketch
  • Use TinkerCAD software to model the final design and optimize it for 3D printing
  • Manufacture the model using 3D printing
  • (Optional) Use a minimum of two tools in MeshMixer to refine your model
 

Tools and equipment

  • BE3D eDee 3D printer with PLA filament
  • Computer with mouse and access to CAD software
  • 3D printed example sculpture
  • Art materials (Paper and pencils for sketching designs etc.)
  • Printed lesson resources
 

Skill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to:
  • Use TinkerCAD, Fusion 360 or Similar CAD software at a beginner/intermediate level
  • Be comfortable using DeeControl software including adjusting print settings
  • Use the BE3D eDee 3D printer
  • (Optional) Use MeshMixer at a beginner/intermediate level

3D Sculpture walkthrough
Play 8:44

3D models overview

  • Total print time 4 hours
  • Total filament 5.5 m
  • Additional non-printable components
  • Printed all at once
Humpty Dumpty
  • 4 hours
  • 5.5 m
Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

  • Lesson plan
  • Worksheet
  • Walkthrough
  • Walkthrough video
  • Presentation
  • 3D models
  • 3D print instructions
  • Curriculum Alignment: ISTE standard compliant