Design a Biome - TinkerCAD
Subjects: • Design • Engineering • Technology Time: 90-120 minutes
Skills: • Design Thinking • Problem Solving • 2D design • 3D design • CAD
Approx. Cost: Low Lesson # 18
Learning Objective/Goal:
Understand the key characteristics of different biomes.
Use Tinkercad to create a digital model of a chosen biome.
Learn how to represent natural elements and organisms in a 3D space.
Develop skills in digital design and spatial awareness.
Materials Needed: NGSS Standards:
Computers or tablets with internet 3-5-ETS1-1
access for each student.
3-5-ETS1-2
Tinkercad accounts for each student
2-LS4-1
(free to create)
Paper, markers, crayons, or colored
pencils/pens
Access to research materials (books,
websites) on different biomes
Background:
A biome is a large area characterized by its vegetation, soil, climate, and wildlife.
Examples include forests, deserts, grasslands, tundras, and aquatic biomes. Each
biome supports unique plant and animal life adapted to its environment. This lesson
uses Tinkercad to help students create and explore digital representations of
different biomes, enhancing their understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Activity:
Introduction (10 minutes):
Briefly explain what a biome is and provide examples of different biomes (e.g.,
forest, desert, ocean).
Display images or short videos of various biomes to highlight their key
characteristics.
Tell students they will be researching a biome and using Tinkercad to create
their own biome model.
Activity (Continued):
Research and Exploration (20 minutes):
Students select a biome they want to model.
Instruct students to use computers/tablets to research their chosen biome's
characteristics (climate, vegetation, animals).
Demonstrate how to do basic research on trusted sites and collect relevant
information that can be incorporated into their designs.
Design (45 minutes):
Direct students to Tinkercad, explaining its purpose and how to navigate the
interface only if needed, students should remember how to access it.
Encourage students to incorporate researched elements into their Tinkercad
design (e.g., specific plants, animals, terrain features).
Remind students of the requirements, such as no overhanging parts and size
requirements (more importantly if models will be 3D printed).
Presentation (15 minutes):
Students should present their Tinkercad biome model. Each presentation
should include a brief explanation of the researched biome elements used in
the model.
Score each model according to the rubric (if using).
Tips for Students:
Always save your work! (or check to make sure it has autosave)
Experiment with combining and layering objects to give your biome a natural
look.
Make sure to use information on biomes from trusted sources.
Tips for Teachers:
Remind students of the common mistakes and try to let them correct them on
their own.
Students should be more independent and experienced in TinkerCAD at this
point and hopefully will need less assistance.
Have a list of biomes for students to choose from.
Extensions:
Print 3D models of student designs using a 3D printer.
Have students use Fusion360 instead as a more challenging software, but used
by professionals.
Challenge students to add more detailed elements to their biomes, such as
specific animal species or weather effects.
Tinkercad - Create 3D digital designs with online CAD
Optional Rubric for Evaluating Students’ work
Needs Improvement
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2)
(1)
Research is Student identified Student completed
Research is detailed
accurate about the key features of the some research on
and accurate about
Research biome's climate, biome, such as its the biome, but
the biome's climate,
plants, and climate and some information is
plants, and animals.
animals. plants and animals. minimal.
The student biome
The student's biome is that clearly
The Student
highly detailed and represents the Student created a
designed a biome
Design realistic, accurately chosen basic representation
with recognizable
portrays the environment with of the biome.
elements.
environment. attention to key
features.
Student's work is Student's work Student's work
exceptionally shows creativity in demonstrates some Student's work
Creativity creative, showcasing both the design creativity in shows limited
originality and and presentation representing the creativity.
innovation design. of the biome. biome.
Presentation is
Presentation is highly
well-organized and Presentation lacks
organized, engaging, Presentation is
effectively organization and
and effectively somewhat
Presentation communicates clarity, making it
communicates organized and
detailed difficult to
information about the clear
information about understand.
biome.
the biome.
