Lesson 1: Using Fusion
Duration of Days: 20
Lesson Objective
Students will apply parametric modeling techniques in Autodesk Fusion 360 to transform 2D sketches into 3D solid bodies and generate industry-standard 2D engineering blueprints (orthographic projections) for 17 distinct parts of increasing complexity.
How do we translate a 2D profile (sketch) into a 3D object (body) using tools like Extrude and Revolve?
Why are "constraints" (geometric rules) more important than just "dimensions" when designing in CAD?
Why does a manufacturer need a 2D blueprint if they already have the 3D computer model?
Parametric Modeling
Orthographic Projections
Dimensions
Blueprint
ENG.04.01: Create two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) representations using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
ENG.04.05: Apply dimensioning and tolerancing techniques in accordance with ANSI/ASME standards.
MAN.02.04: Interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.
CT-TE.9-12.2: Identify and use resources to create a communication product (Design Portfolio).
Description: "Fusion 360 Bootcamp." The teacher demonstrates the User Interface (UI), the difference between 2D Sketching and 3D Features, and how to output a drawing sheet (blueprint)."The 17 Drawings Challenge." Students work independently through a packet of 17 dimensioned drawings. They must reverse-engineer the paper drawings into 3D models and then generate their own blueprints. The difficulty increases from simple blocks (Day 1) to complex geometries with curves, holes, and chamfers (Day 18).
Purpose: To equip students with digital literacy in manufacturing. Modern manufacturing relies on the "Digital Twin" (the CAD model) to drive CNC machines.
DOK Level:
Level 2 (Skill/Concept): Using the software commands (Line, Circle, Extrude) correctly.
Level 3 (Strategic Thinking): Analyzing a drawing to determine the most efficient "Order of Operations" (e.g., Should I extrude this whole block and cut the hole later, or sketch the hole in the first step?).
Provide Video Tutorials
Formative: The teacher checks the student's file structure. Are sketches fully constrained (black lines, not blue)? Is the timeline clean, or are there errors (yellow/red warnings)?
Summative: Digital Portfolio. A folder containing the .f3d (model) files and .pdf (blueprint) files for all 17 completed drawings.
Grading Criteria: Geometric accuracy (does it match the print?), fully constrained sketches, and correct view placement on the blueprint.
Software: Autodesk Fusion 360 (Educational Licenses).
Hardware: Computer lab stations.
Text/Packet: "The 17 Drawings" Packet