Apply the complete Grade 4 Designer Stage skillset — from design brief through CAD modeling, printing, evaluation, and Version 2 improvement.
Learn — read and understand
Phase 1 — Design Brief and Sketching (30 min)
Choose ONE object: (a) personalized pencil holder, (b) phone/tablet stand, (c) small tray/organizer, (d) keychain with name, (e) a simple classroom accessory. Write a formal design brief: user, problem, 5+ constraints (dimensional, print, and structural). Complete a dimensioned sketch with 3 views (front, side, top). Annotate all critical dimensions. Get brief approved before starting CAD.
Phase 2 — CAD Modeling (45 min)
Model your design in Tinkercad following your approved sketch. Requirements: (a) use at least 3 different primitive types, (b) perform at least 2 Boolean subtractions (holes, slots, recesses), (c) name every shape descriptively, (d) verify all critical dimensions with the Ruler tool, (e) apply color coding by component group, (f) take a screenshot of your completed model from 3 angles before exporting.
Phase 3 — Slicing and Print Setup (15 min)
Export STL from Tinkercad. Import into slicer (Cura or equivalent). Configure all 5 key settings: layer height (0.2mm), infill (20–40% based on function), walls (3), speed (50mm/s), supports (only if necessary). Slice and review the layer preview — record: estimated print time, estimated filament weight, number of support structures generated.
Phases 4–5 — Print, Observe, Evaluate, Improve, and Present
During printing: observe the first layer and document its quality in writing. After printing: measure 4 critical dimensions with calipers (modeled vs printed). Complete the 6-criterion evaluation rubric with measurement-based evidence. Identify the two lowest-scoring criteria. Write V2 design change ECRs for both. Present (5 min): problem → CAD decisions → measurements → evaluation → V2 changes.
Explore — what a complete Grade 4 presentation looks like
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Part 1: Design brief
"I designed a pencil holder for me. Problem: pencils roll off the desk. Constraints: fits 6 pencils, max 80×80×100mm, 3mm walls, no overhangs >45°, name embossed." — specific, testable constraints.
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Part 2: CAD decisions
"I used box (body), cylinder (holes), and text (name). Two Boolean subtractions: 6 pencil holes + name engraving. Walls verified at 3.0mm with Ruler." — what AND why.
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Part 3: Measurements
"Outer box: modeled 80×80mm, printed 79.6×79.7mm (within ±0.3mm spec). Hole 3: modeled 7.5mm, printed 6.8mm (FAIL — pencil does not fit)." — explicit pass/fail with measurements.
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Part 4: V2 ECR
"Criterion: Functionality. Score: 3/4. Evidence: hole 3 measured 6.8mm. Root cause: uneven shrinkage. V2 change: all holes increased to 8.0mm." — ECR format with specific measurement.
1What makes a design brief 'formal' at Grade 4 level?
2Your CAD model must include at least 2 Boolean subtractions. An example of a Boolean subtraction is:
3You set infill to 20% for your pencil holder. A classmate says you should use 40%. Who is correct, and why?
4Your evaluation rubric shows Dimensional Accuracy: 2/4 because one hole measured 6.8mm against a 7.5mm specification. Your V2 ECR change should state:
5What is the purpose of the 5-part presentation at the end of the project?