small football table

Jules' Thinkercad project offers fun for all ages up to 99, allowing kids to design a mini soccer table. Adult assistance may be needed for assembly, such as removing support, folding axles, and placing players.

In class, students started with basic skills in the Tinkercad software, such as placing and merging simple shapes/holes and grouping them.

Initially, the children's designs were mostly keychains with names on them. Then, they learned how to copy and align shapes. Jules worked on his soccer table design for two weeks, starting with the basic outlining of the field and later refining it with the teacher to achieve a neat alignment.

After some trial and error, the correct shape was found. Jules had to resolve issues such as player height (for proper rotation), goal height (to allow ball to pass through), and player hole position (initially frontal causing sideways rotation). With teacher's assistance, Jules is very proud of his final result!

1. Teach basic skills in the software, such as placing and merging shapes, grouping, and aligning.
2. Allow students to design their own creations, starting with simple keychains and working towards more complex designs like a soccer table.
3. Enhance problem-solving skills by overcoming design challenges. ( such as player height, goal height, and player hole position,..)

The end result is a functional mini soccer table that students can play with at school or at home

To complete the project, the following equipment is needed: a computer with internet access, a student account on Tinkercad and a Prusa 3D printer!

For a period of 6 weeks, the class was able to have access to the Prusa 3D printer due to a STEM stimulation project. Jules started with designing keychains and a basketball court, and then worked on his football table for about a half hour daily over the course of a couple of weeks with some trial and error.

Procedure:

1. Introduction to Tinkercad: A demonstration of the basics of Tinkercad was given on a large board to give the students an idea of what they would be working with.
2. Keychain project: The students, along with the teacher, worked together to create a keychain for ‘class 3A’. The students learned how to combine shapes and add text to their designs. This was the first print from the Prusa 3D printer.
3. Independent design: The students were then given the opportunity to use a Chromebook to create their own designs on Tinkercad. More advanced students were encouraged to help their peers. Every student's design was printed in class.
4. Improving Designs: As the project progressed, students were encouraged to make more complex designs. They motivated each other in this learning process. Some students made houses, followed by a football field, a stand, and an arena.
5. Perfecting Shapes: After a month, a second demonstration was given to show the students how to perfectly copy and align shapes. The various designs that the students had created were astonishing!