Tinkercad Introduction Workshop at Medelova SS – Erasmus+ 3D Academy
In February 2026, as part of the Erasmus+ project “3D Academy”, students participated in the mobility activity P1 – “3D Printing Step by Step” at Medelova Secondary School in Novi Jičín, Czech Republic. One of the key educational sessions during this mobility was a Tinkercad introductory workshop, aimed at introducing students to 3D modeling in a simple and accessible way.
The workshop began with an overview of Tinkercad, a user-friendly online 3D design tool widely used for education, prototyping, and creative projects. Students were guided through the interface, learning how to navigate the workspace, manipulate objects, and understand the basic functions required for 3D modeling.
The main focus of the session was the design of primitive shapes, such as cubes, spheres, cylinders, and pyramids, and how these can be combined to create more complex models. The instructors demonstrated practical examples, showing how to scale, rotate, align, and group primitives, helping students understand fundamental modeling techniques that form the foundation of digital design.
Participants were encouraged to experiment with their own designs, exploring how different primitives can be merged, subtracted, or modified to produce unique 3D objects. This hands-on approach allowed them to see how simple geometric elements can evolve into creative and functional models ready for 3D printing.
In addition to design skills, the workshop also introduced students to basic concepts of preparing models for 3D printing, including ensuring watertight geometry, checking for overlapping objects, and exporting files in the correct formats for printing.
The activity highlighted the advantages of using Tinkercad as an educational tool for learning 3D design, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. By practicing with simple primitives, students gained confidence in digital modeling and learned essential skills applicable to more advanced CAD software in the future.
For the students of the 3D Academy Erasmus+ project, this introductory workshop was a valuable first step in understanding the digital design process. It complemented other practical experiences with 3D printing, scanning, and post-processing technologies, providing a comprehensive approach to additive manufacturing education.
This session formed an important part of the mobility P1 – “3D Printing Step by Step”, reinforcing the project’s aim of developing practical technological skills, fostering creativity, and promoting international collaboration through hands-on learning experiences.
