|
Design
& Make
Pupils
are familiar with wordprocessors, spreadsheets and databases, but using
tabs+ enables them to encounter the computer as a design and manufacturing
tool as well.
aspexTabs Overview
The
basic idea of the aspexTabs
Design & Make software is that you design a 3D
model on the computer screen using a series of simple geometric shapes.
The model can be viewed from any angle or distance and the results printed
as modelling NETS which can be folded and assembled into a real-world
object.
Geometric
Shapes
Models are constructed
using basic geometric shapes and when
using aspexTabs
you are presented with a range of simple geometric shapes to
draw on the screen. The shape is shown instantly as a 3D object in the
view window. You can colour it, move it around, tumble it, view it from
any angle and adjust its size and shape.
The
next stage is to actually manufacture the shape you have drawn. First you
position the net on the screen then print it out, cut it out and construct
the model.
aspexTabs
also supports the five platonic shapes which are made
available in the quickshapes library along with a small collection of
other handy shapes.
Keeping things simple
A design project does not need to complicated, the best projects are
simple ones. A simple project might consist of two shapes, a cuboid and a
wedge shape joined together to make a farmhouse.
Another
idea is to build a cuboid and a cylinder of similar dimensions and then to
compare their volumes practically by filling them with rice.
A project like this takes the pupils through all the stages of the
design process from thinking about a problem to manufacturing an object to
solve the problem.
The aim of such projects is not to produce elaborate 3D models but to
take pupils through the whole design process.
Even making a tissue holder from a pentagonal prism requires pupils to
think about packaging. They need to discuss their ideas, plan and draw the
package, change it, make it, and evaluate it to see how well it serves its
purpose.
Modelling
aspexTabs
allows
students to model their ideas quickly
on the computer, and the design can be modified in colour and dimension
and shape. aspexTabs
addresses an
important area for teachers who wish to implement NET Modelling into their
curriculum.
Desingning
skills
aspexTabs
provides a medium to help students develop
their skills in designing and making.
Pupils generate ideas for their designs, taking
into account the end user and the purpose of what they are designing,
think through and clarify these ideas, develop criteria and discuss how
they are going to set about achieving the final product.
Making
Skills
A design is built using simple geometric shapes
which can then be 'unfolded' on the computer screen to be displayed as
NETS. The different shapes
can be maneuvered by the student and organised to make the best use of the
paper or card when printed out for making.
Making the design involves cutting, folding and
gluing the chosen material.
Artistic skills
Some schools use colouring pencils or paints to
decorate the final model and younger students have produced some imaginative work with just a few simple shapes. Some examples
can be seen at: http://www.ocdsb.edu.on.ca/vmasweb/tabs.htm
Nets
aspexTabs
provides the environment where students can
explore solid shapes, experience handling them, show how they fit together
and how the development of NETS form the shapes. |
