Lesson 3: Fabrication and Accuracy Verification
Duration of Days: 2.5
Lesson Objective
Students will print their AutoCAD developments, cut, fold, and glue them to create a physical 3D prototype.
Does the physical model match the original design intent?
If the edges don't meet, was the error in the CAD measurements or the physical assembly?
Prototype, Fabrication, Tolerance, Verification.
CT CADD.09.04: Construct a 3D model from a development.
Students choose a complex "Master Shape" (a truncated pyramid or an L-shaped duct). They draft the development in AutoCAD, print it to scale (1:1) on heavy cardstock, and physically build the model.
Purpose: To emphasize the importance of precision—a 1/16" error in CAD becomes a massive gap in a physical product.
DOK Level: 4 (Extended Thinking/Synthesis).
Offer varying levels of shape complexity (Level 1: Cube; Level 2: Cylinder; Level 3: Truncated Cone).
Objects are graded on dimensional accuracy, "cleanliness" of folds, and structural integrity.
Cardstock, X-acto knives or scissors, glue sticks, printers.