Lesson Overview

Students recap Boolean operations and then advance to sophisticated modelling techniques in Shapr3D: Sweep, Pattern tools (linear and circular), and Project. The lesson follows an "I do → We do → You do" structure with three progressively complex builds. First, students create a paper clip using Sweep — learning to define a rail path and sweep a profile along it. Second, they model a stationery container using Shell, Project, and both linear and circular patterns to efficiently repeat features. Finally, students tackle a creative ghost toy project that integrates splines, Revolve, Loft, Union, Shell, Mirror, Project and Fillet into a single character-style model. By the end of the lesson, students will confidently combine multiple advanced operations and recognise when each tool is the right choice for a given design challenge.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1
Use Sweep to create a form by moving a profile along a rail path
2
Use Linear Pattern and Circular Pattern tools to duplicate features efficiently
3
Use Project to transfer sketch geometry onto a curved surface
4
Combine multiple CAD operations — Loft, Revolve, Union, Shell, Mirror and Fillet — in a single project
5
Plan and build a character-style model from component operations, chunking the workflow into manageable steps
6
Distinguish when to use Sweep versus Loft based on the type of geometry required

Singapore Curriculum Alignment

Aligned to MOE Secondary Design & Technology: advanced development of product forms using digital prototyping tools, and integration of multiple modelling techniques to achieve intended product form and details. Supports Applied Learning / maker education: creative problem-solving and design integration through digital making.

Prior Knowledge Required

Confidence with Shapr3D sketching, extrusion, Revolve and Boolean operations (Union, Subtract, Intersect)
Familiarity with control points, curves and feature editing from previous lessons
Understanding of construction planes and how to position geometry on different planes
Experience with Shell, Mirror and Fillet operations

Materials & Resources

Item	Quantity
Computer or laptop with Shapr3D installed	1 per student or pair
Mouse and keyboard (required for precision rail sketching)	1 per student
Teacher computer with projector / demo screen	1
Shapr3D student account	1 per student
Reference slide deck (L4 - Advanced modelling techniques)	1
Saved checkpoint file or completed demo model for teacher reference	1
Optional: 3D printer for printing ghost toy models	If available

Safety Notes

Encourage students to save versions before attempting Loft, Shell or Project operations — these involve multiple body interactions
Keep workflow organised by naming or isolating bodies where helpful, especially during the multi-body ghost toy build
Use measured selections carefully when applying fillets to fine details — overly large fillets can distort small features
Take regular short breaks during the intensive ghost toy section to avoid cognitive fatigue
If 3D printing student models, follow all printer safety and post-processing protocols