MU-AEST Lesson Plan Template

Course Title: Design Engineering

Teacher’s Name: Miss Sweeney
Grade Level: 9-12
Lesson Title: Parametric Modeling
Lesson Length: 60min

STAGE 1: Identify Desired Results

Primary Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering

Education:
This lesson contributes to students’ attainment of the following standard(s):

Standard 8. Students will develop an understanding of the attributes of design,

(Benchmark K, p. 98).

Standard - 3.4.10.C2: Analyze a prototype and/or create a working model to test a design
concept by making actual observations and necessary adjustments.

Other Pennsylvania Core Academic Standards (reading, math, history, etc.):

This lesson contributes to students’ attainment of the following standards in other academic areas:

Business, Computer and Information Technology

Standard - 15.4.12.G: Create an advanced digital project using sophisticated design and
appropriate software/applications.

Mathematics

Standard - CC.2.1.HS.F.4: Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the
solution of multi-step problems.

Behavioral (Performance) Objectives:

A. At the end of the lesson, students will be able to create simple 3D solid models by utilizing
the extrude, hole, pattern, and fillet function in Autodesk Inventor with 100% accuracy and
upload the file to be graded on a 5-pt checklist for the accuracy of dimensions with correct
unit use, correct use of the software features, and the ability to follow the demonstration
instructions.
B. At the end of the lesson, students will be able to apply the parametric part modeling
process to design an advanced digital project which will be graded using a 20-pt design
rubric for functionality of the 3D printed working model, complexity of the design
(minimum of three features used), completed sketches, and a completed working drawing
with necessary dimensions.

Sample Lesson Plan Template for MU Technology & Engineering Education (Revised 01262015)
Page 1 of 4
 C. During the lesson, students will participate in class discussion to brainstorm the benefits of
parametric modeling during the design process, receiving a participation grade.

Essential Questions:

1. What is parametric modeling and what are the benefits of it?

2. How could advanced computer software such as Autodesk Inventor be used in
industry?

Content Outline:

I. Overview of the 3 Basic Pictorial Types

a. Isometric
b. Oblique
c. Perspective
I. Introduction to Advanced Digital Software: Autodesk Inventor
a. Home page
b. File types
c. Screen layout
d. Planes
e. Starting a 2-D sketch
II. Parametric part modeling process within the Design Process
a. Parametric Modeling: The creation of models using geometric definitions that can
be changed at any time in the design process to change the nature of the model.
b. Benefits (Use in Industry)
i. Develop ideas without the need for exact sizes
ii. Faster idea generation
iii. Captures design intent quickly
iv. Can be updated by changing one parameter
v. Quick and easy exploration and evaluation to determine the best design
options
c. Guidelines for Rough sketches of basic shape of base feature
i. Create a sketch that is proportional to the desired shape.
ii. Keep the sketch simple.
iii. Exaggerate the geometric features.
iv. Draw the geometry so that it does not overlap.
v. Form a region (closed 2D shape).
d. Constraints and dimensions of 2-D shape
i. Geometric constraints control the relationship between the geometric
entities that make up a sketch.
ii. Geometric constraint symbols in Inventor
e. Extrude the 2-D sketch
f. Add additional parametric features such as hole, pattern, and fillet
i. Models are built by adding simple features one at a time.
ii. Features are used to define specific boundaries of an object.
iii. The parameters of a feature can be changed at any time during the design
process.
g. Analyze and refine the design
h. Create the desired drawing views to document the design

STAGE 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence

Sample Lesson Plan Template for MU Technology & Engineering Education (Revised 01262015)
Page 2 of 4
 Assessment: Students will be assessed on their ability to show participation in the lesson
through class discussion of benefits of Parametric Modeling during the presentation, receiving
a participation grade for the day. Students will follow along with the teacher through a simple
tutorial and then through two demonstrations on Inventor which will be uploaded to Schoology.
The demo prints will be graded using a 5-point checklist based upon completion, ability to
follow directions, and accuracy of the part. Once this lesson and the 3D printing lesson are
completed, students will 3D model and 3D print their own working model of a fidget spinner
which will be graded using a 20-point design rubric.

STAGE 3: Plan Learning Experiences & Instruction

Procedures:
TIME
PREP Have demo files uploaded to Schoology for students to download. Pull up PowerPoint
and open the Autodesk Inventor Software. Pass out guided notes, tutorial packet, and
processing cards. Have students open the Autodesk Inventor software as well.
2:00 1. SET INDUCTION: Begin PowerPoint and ask students to discuss the essential question
with the people sitting around them. Discuss as a class the possible answers to the
essential question.
18:00 2. Continue the PowerPoint, refer to the essential question when discussing the benefits of
parametric modeling. Make sure to point out where the students should be filling in
information on the guided notes (on the PPT, this info is highlighted red). Make sure
students also label their Inventor Screen Cheat Sheet included with their guided notes.
Periodically check that the students understand the steps in the parametric modeling
process by asking them to name aloud the steps that build up to the current step being
discussed.
2:00 3. Finish PowerPoint with three review questions (What are the advantages of using 3-D
modeling software? What are the two means of creating 3-D features that we learned?,
What are the steps to creating a 3-D model (first three steps in the parametric modeling
process)?), and discuss the answers.
20:00 4. Ask students to go to Autodesk Inventor (should already be opened) and have them
focus on the tutorial packet. Walk through each step in the tutorial as a class. Ask
students to utilize their processing cards during this process so the teacher can easily
gauge if the students have questions or are ready to move on to the next step. Complete
the tutorial.
8:00 5. Ask students to download the two demo files from Schoology and open them in the
Inventor software. Have students follow along with the teacher and use processing cards.
Make sure to reinforce that these demos directly correlate to the future fidget spinner
design activity. Once completed, have students upload the files to Schoology for grading.
10:00 6. CONCLUSION: Come together as a class to discuss the importance of parametric
modeling and have the students once more recall the benefits of this process. Ask
students what they seemed to struggle with using the Inventor software to gain insight on
what the students could and could not grasp. Brief the students on the fidget spinner
design activity so they can start brainstorming design ideas.

Instructional Aids or Resources:

o Computer with PowerPoint connected to video projector/screen

o Guided Notes with Inventor Screen Cheat Sheet (Qty. 30)
o Inventor Tutorial Packets (Qty. 30)
o Demo Files (uploaded to Schoology with a dropbox for the assignment)
o Processing Cards (Qty. 30)
o Autodesk Inventor software on each computer
o Computers (one per student)

Sample Lesson Plan Template for MU Technology & Engineering Education (Revised 01262015)
Page 3 of 4
Differentiating Instruction: This lesson incorporates many different strategies that can engage all
learners during instruction and attempt to meet individual needs. Strategies include:

o Student Participation through discussion of the essential question with peers

o Students use guided notes to help focus on the important concepts in the PowerPoint
o Visual aid cheat sheets are completed during the lesson to then reference when doing individual
work
o Use of many visual aids in the PowerPoint to simulate the Inventor software
o Visual demonstration in which the students follow along with the teacher in the software
o Involvement of all students using processing cards to gauge students work pace
o Mentor teacher will be available as an assistant during software tutorials and demonstrations as a
one-on-one aid for students with disabilities and ELL’s.
o Tutorial packets with detailed step instructions are given to each student to reference during the
Inventor tutorial.

Sample Lesson Plan Template for MU Technology & Engineering Education (Revised 01262015)
Page 4 of 4