Grade 5 · Tinkercad · Lesson 51

Accessible Playground Component

Design a scaled play feature for varied bodies, movement, and sensory needs.

Time2–3 × 60 minutes + adult printingTeamsTeams of 2–3EquipmentTinkercad + Bambu P1S fleet

Project inspiration · 3 images

See, build, and test

Use these images to understand the kind of making, details, and testing involved. They are inspiration—not designs students must copy.

Finished student example for Accessible Playground Component
01Finished project
Close construction and materials view for Accessible Playground Component
02Construction detail
Students testing and recording results for Accessible Playground Component
03Student testing

Student directions · Grade 5

What will you make and do?

You will design one scaled playground feature that helps more children participate, such as an entry ramp, sensory panel or quiet play space.

Teacher overview: Students will plan the specific object described below, make and test a first version, then use their results to improve it. Read one step together, demonstrate the unfamiliar action, and let students complete that step before moving on.

  1. 1Plan your project

    Read the teacher’s user scenario and name the barrier you want to reduce. Sketch two possible features with a scale figure beside each.

  2. 2Make the first parts

    Make a cardboard model and move the same scale figures around it. Check the approach, reach and space needed to turn or pause.

  3. 3Put it together

    In Tinkercad, use the ruler and reference figure to model the chosen feature. Add measured clearances and openings; the teacher checks the print.

  4. 4Test it fairly

    Use the shared checklist to move every reference figure to and around the feature. Record inaccessible or confusing parts.

  5. 5Improve one part

    Change one slope, opening or feature position and repeat the checklist for all figures.

  6. 6Show and turn in

    Present the model, user-need statement and access checklist. Explain the scale and that this is not an approved construction plan.

How will you know it works?

  • Addresses a documented user need
  • Scale figures can access the intended area
  • Purpose is understandable from the model

Before you move on

Explain which measurement, input or design choice you are testing. Predict the result and record what stays the same so your comparison is fair.

Machine cutting, printer setup and electrical power-on require adult approval. A basic-materials model is a valid way to demonstrate the design when equipment is unavailable.

Keep your plan, test notes and before-and-after evidence with the printable design brief below. Use the detailed teacher plan and any coding guide for tool instructions. These steps continue across the lesson’s meetings, not all in one sitting.

For teachers

Engineering standards

This shows how the lesson connects to the national NGSS engineering standards and what student work you can collect.

Assessed

3-5-ETS1-1

Teams define the user or purpose and set measurable size, performance, material, and print-time limits before modeling.

What students show: Problem statement, criteria, constraints, measurements, and labeled sketch.
Practiced

3-5-ETS1-2

Students sketch and compare at least two possible forms before choosing or combining features for the digital model.

What students show: Two ideas and a criteria-based design choice.
Assessed

3-5-ETS1-3

Teams use a repeatable test—move the same set of scale user figures through, beside, and around the component using a shared checklist—identify a failure point, revise one dimension or feature, and retest.

What students show: Test data, version comparison, and evidence-based explanation.

Materials

  • User scenario cards
  • Teacher-provided scale figures
  • Cardboard site base and path templates
  • Rulers or calipers
  • Graph paper, pencils, cardboard, clay, and tape for prototypes
  • Computer or tablet with educator-managed Tinkercad access
  • PLA filament; teacher sets a project-specific gram and print-time budget
  • Finished test objects appropriate to the lesson

Teacher preparation

  1. Create an educator-managed Tinkercad class and assignment link; students do not enter personal information.
  2. Prepare one navigation demonstration using drag, zoom, orbit, undo, and view cube.
  3. Set the build envelope, minimum wall thickness, minimum feature size, and maximum print time for the class.
  4. Create the file rule G5_51_Team##_v1.
  5. Prepare shared build plates and an adult review queue for dimensions, orientation, stability, material use, and safe slicing.

Step by step

How to teach it

Day 1 · 0–20

Define and measure

  1. Introduce the mission: Design one scaled playground component that expands how children with different needs can participate.
  2. Identify the user, criteria, constraints, and measurements that matter.
  3. Sketch two different solutions at approximately full size.
Day 1 · 20–60

Prototype and compare

  1. Build quick cardboard or clay versions.
  2. Compare both ideas against the shared criteria.
  3. Select or combine features and predict the likely failure point.
Day 2 · 0–15

Tinkercad skill warm-up

  1. Import or build a teacher-provided scale reference figure.
  2. Use the ruler and workplane to model clearances, slopes, and reach zones.
  3. Group shapes and use holes to create safe openings and pathways.
Day 2 · 15–60

Build the digital model

  1. Place the ruler and enter important dimensions instead of guessing.
  2. Use align and group to create clean, intentional geometry.
  3. Inspect from top, front, side, and underneath; name the file correctly and submit for teacher review.
Day 3

Print, test, and improve

  1. An adult slices, approves, operates printers, and removes parts.
  2. Use the same test procedure each time: move the same set of scale user figures through, beside, and around the component using a shared checklist.
  3. Revise one dimension or feature in a new Tinkercad version and explain the expected improvement.

Assessment

  • Problem includes a user or purpose plus measurable criteria and constraints.
  • Two sketches show meaningfully different solutions.
  • Tinkercad model uses entered dimensions and purposeful tool choices.
  • Model meets the teacher's printability and material-budget checklist.
  • Test is repeatable and the revision responds to evidence.

Supports & extensions

  • Provide a Tinkercad picture guide and a starter file containing only basic reference shapes.
  • Use mouse practice, larger grid snap, and one new tool at a time.
  • Allow a student to direct a partner or teacher who performs fine cursor movements.
  • Offer measured template objects while preserving choices about form and features.
  • Extension: reduce material, add a moving fit, or create two size variants using parameters recorded on paper.

Safety & responsible use

  • Students do not touch hot ends, heated beds, or moving printer parts.
  • An adult handles slicing approval, printer setup, monitoring, part removal, and support cleanup.
  • Use only lab-approved PLA and teacher-managed accounts; never publish student names or designs publicly without permission.
  • Check finished parts for sharp strings, weak points, and small-piece hazards before use.
  • Printed parts are prototypes—not food-safe, medical, climbing, load-bearing, or life-safety products.

No-machine alternative

Build the final version with cardboard, clay, foam, paper tubes, reusable construction pieces, or teacher-prepared shapes. Keep the same measurements, criteria, fair test, evidence, and revision cycle.

Printable student design brief

The challenge

Design one scaled playground component that expands how children with different needs can participate.

Success criteria

  • Addresses a documented user need
  • Scale figures can access the intended area
  • Purpose is understandable from the model

Constraints

  • Model only—not construction plans
  • Uses respectful user-centered language
  • Fits the shared playground base and print budget

Engineer’s notes

Our user needs…
The measurements that matter are…
Idea A and Idea B are different because…
In Tinkercad we used…
Our test showed…
We changed… because…
Our next version would…
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