Modelling with Sketches
Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem
What a learner can do afterwards
- Create a sketch, drawing, or physical model of a design solution
- Explain how the shape or structure of the design helps solve the problem
- Relate the model to the real-world problem it addresses
1 · Read
You have asked questions about the world. When you want to make something, ask what it needs to do. A sketch is a drawing of your idea. Show the parts and where they go. A physical model is something you build to show or test the idea.
Mia wants her toy car to roll smoothly. She draws round wheels and shows where they go. A circle has no corners. A round wheel can roll along a flat surface without the corner bumps of a square wheel.
A dome umbrella curves over a person and guides rain down its sides. A ramp has one end higher than the other. A toy car can roll down the slope. A sheet lying flat has no downhill slope.
Explain how each part helps with the job. A sketch shows your plan, but it cannot prove the finished thing will work. Build a model and test it. If the test shows a problem, change a part and test again.
Show your idea in a sketch or model. Explain how its parts help with the job. Test a model to find out how it works.
2 · Watch
Take it off screen
Where it sits
Learn first
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.