STEM Education

Autodesk Adds Sim Lab to 3D Design Tool for Students

Autodesk has released a new feature for Tinkercad, the company's free, web-based 3D design app for use in classrooms. Called Sim Lab, the new tool allows students to "apply STEM principles and experiment with their 3D designs in a simulated space — similar to a video game. Students can simulate the effects of gravity on their design, add materials (like rubber, wood, plastic) to an object, and even build simple machines. Sim Lab draws inspiration from children's favorite video games, like Minecraft and Roblox, bringing the excitement of gaming into the design experience."

Sim Lab features include:

  • Gravity simulation;

  • Materials for objects;

  • The ability to create statics and dynamic shapes to build objects;

  • The ability to throw objects and have them interact with other objects; and

  • The ability to share simulations.

Sim Lab is included with Tinkercad, which is available for free. Further details about Tinkercad and Sim Lab can be found at tinkercad.com.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .

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