What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. The class is FLEX format, so the assigned lessons can be done on your own time, with a new lesson being posted each week.Assessment
Assessment will be informal feedback, unless parents or learners request more formal grading/feedback.Grading
includedClass Experience
This class covers the same content as the live format class, but you will access the lessons, complete the assignments, and contribute to classroom discussions on your own schedule during the week. We will learn the basics of the Fusion 360 interface, learn about the engineering and design process, and talk about "engineering fails" -- historical failures caused by bad engineering design. We will learn how to create a basic 3D object, and then we will start an ongoing project where we design a desk lamp shade, supporting arm, and base. Lesson 1 - Introduction, basic shape creation Lesson 2 - Import a drawing and create a sketch Lesson 3 - Convert the lampshade sketch to 3D, and create the supporting arm Lesson 4 - Create a 3D base using forms Lesson 5 - Learn how to assemble all three parts into one design and create a construction document Lesson 6 - Learn how to render the final design, prepare for 3D printing, and share your file Throughout the course, there will be video and PDF instructions for the project. In addition, students will have assigned short videos or articles about engineering design, industry or careers to access during the week. They will then engage in weekly online discussions about these with the teacher and each other. All students are required to dialogue with each other (via a written thread on the Outschool page) in response to these assignments and discussion prompts. Students will submit their weekly progress by submitting or sharing their Fusion 360 files on the Outschool class page and will receive detailed feedback from the teacher. They will be able to make improvements and resubmit any corrections or improvements throughout the course. Students who need grades for a transcript may request written grades/progress report from the teacher. Students do not need any prior engineering or drafting experience, but they do need good basic computer skills and a fast internet connection. We will be using Autodesk Fusion 360, an industry-standard cloud-based design platform, which can run on 64-bit operating systems on either Windows or Mac-based PCs. At least 3 GB RAM and a good graphics card are required. (Program may run on less, but may have issues or be slow.) The program is free for students and grants a three-year educational license. Instructions on how to sign up for the educational license and download the software will be given prior to and in the first class meeting. For full system requirements, go here: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Fusion-360.html.
Learning Goals
Students will learn basic computer-aided design drafting skills and entry-level engineering concepts.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1
Interface introduction, basic shape creation
Lesson 2:
Lesson 2
Import a reference drawing and create a sketch
Lesson 3:
Lesson 3
Convert the lampshade sketch to 3D, and create the supporting arm
Lesson 4:
Lesson 4
Create a 3D base using forms
Other Details
Learning Needs
All learners are welcome in my classes. Most of the instruction and activities are video-based.
Parental Guidance
This class uses Fusion 360 from Autodesk. There are two ways to obtain this:
First, everyone can download the personal version of program here: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal (look the column on the left), make an account, and download the free personal version.
If you are interested in getting the education versions of Fusion 360 or any other Autodesk software, follow the instructions here. Please note, as of the time of this writing, they do have Homeschool listed as an option. They may ask for some kind of proof to be uploaded. Please let me know if you need help or advice.
https://www.autodesk.com/support/account/education/students-educators/get-started
Pre-Requisites
Basic computer skills.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Texas Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Indiana Teaching Certificate
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Wilkes University
Bachelor's Degree from Ball State University
I've taught CADD to high school students in both public and private schools for several years. I have almost 20 years of experience working with engineering and architectural firms before I became a teacher, so I have a good perspective on how these skills integrate into a real-world career.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$17
weekly or $99 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 169 learners
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Ages: 13-18