Development of Three-Dimensional Learning Materials for Key Stage 3 Design and Engineering Students. An Introductory Aid to SolidWorks CAD Teaching for Secondary Schools

Abstract

This thesis looks at the development of a physical 3D learning model designed to introduce key stage 3 students to the basics of SolidWorks with the ultimate aim of developing the model to a level where schools can use it in the education of students. The purpose of this thesis is to identify any problems with the author’s final year undergraduate project (a three-dimensional card model of Tower Bridge, which features instructions to help teach the fundamentals of SolidWorks), and to create a new learning material based on those findings. The creation of the new learning material was in part based on feedback during visits to local secondary schools. Small scale user trials were also conducted throughout the product development in order to gain first-hand insight into how the solution was meeting its objectives, i.e. being a viable learning pack for Secondary Schools. The overall project aim was to create 3 – Dimensional teaching material designed to assist in classrooms for secondary education. This aim was partially realised in that a clear and concise learning path was created. However, due to lack of engagement from local secondary schools it was not feasible to conduct user trials. These trials and subsequent review have been suggested as possible future work. It should be noted that apart from the Tower Bridge product, reviewed in chapter 3, all work presented within this thesis was conducted as part of this master study.