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/ .


Featured

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Introduces Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has launched a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • robot waving

    Copilot Updates Aim to Personalize AI

    Microsoft has introduced a range of updates to its Copilot platform, marking a new phase in its effort to deliver what it calls a "true AI companion" that adapts to individual users' needs, preferences and routines.