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NASA's Alien by Design - Tinkercad and VR with MergeEDU

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HBGCC - Innovation Arcade - Model Classroom 1

Model Lesson Experience
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Session description

Participants will create a custom alien adapted to conditions on an exoplanet recently viewed by the James Webb Space Telescope using 3D modeling in Tinkercad. They will label the features of their creation, viewing it in virtual reality through MergeEDU. This design process can be adapted to other disciplines as well.

Outline

This session will introduce participants to the exoplanet K2-18b and the conditions on Hycean planets. They will use Tinkercad to design an alien that might live on this planet, and then upload it to MergeEDU to prepare a VR presentation for other participants.
Introduction & Video (10 minutes): Present K2-18b and Hycean planet conditions.
Sketching Designs (10 minutes): Participants brainstorm and sketch alien concepts on paper.
Creating in Tinkercad (30 minutes): Step-by-step guided 3D modeling of their alien species in Tinkercad.
Uploading & Viewing in MergeEDU (20 minutes): Participants upload their models to MergeEDU, label key adaptations, and view in VR.
Sharing and Peer Feedback (15 minutes): Participants share their models with others, explaining their design choices and receiving feedback.
Wrap-up (5 minutes): Discuss overall takeaways and applications of 3D/VR learning in classrooms.

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Supporting research

https://stemeducationjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40594-022-00382-8

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Presenters

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Senior Principal Product Manager
Autodesk
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teacher resource agent, technology coach
NASA's UoL, Lewiston School Dept.

Session specifications

Topic:

Emergent Technologies, AR, VR, and XR

TLP:

Yes

Grade level:

6-12

Audience:

Teacher

Attendee devices:

Devices required

Attendee device specification:

Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC

Participant accounts, software and other materials:

Participants will need a Google account to be able to log in to TinkerCad and MergeEDU. They may also wish to download the app Objectviewer from Merge Edu onto phones.

Subject area:

Interdisciplinary (STEM/STEAM), Science

ISTE Standards:

For Students:
Innovative Designer
  • Select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process that considers design constraints and calculated risks.
Creative Communicator
  • Use digital tools to visually communicate complex ideas to others.
Global Collaborator
  • Use digital tools to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds recognizing diverse viewpoints and broadening mutual understanding.

TLPs:

Spark Curiosity, Ignite Agency

Influencer Disclosure:

This session includes a presenter that indicated a “material connection” to a brand that includes a personal, family or employment relationship, or a financial relationship. See individual speaker menu for disclosure information.
Related exhibitors:
Merge