Unit 4 Lesson Plan: Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Grade Level:

9-12

Prerequisites:

9^th Grade General Math & Science

Concepts Addressed:

In this unit, students will get an introduction to Autodesk Inventor. They will get an overview of the different ways engineers use Autodesk Inventor and then learn specific ways they can use Inventor to help design and build VEX robots.

Learning Objectives:

• The students will be able to create 3D models using Autodesk Inventor
• The students will be able to animate 3D models
• The students will be able to render 3D models

STEM Connections:

Students will be using the software and math formulas to create and animate their 3D VEX models.

Materials Needed:

• Unit Guide
• Internet Access
• Dictionaries
• VEX Robotics Kit
• Online Resources
• Computer with Autodesk Inventor

Key Terminology:

• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Assemblies
• Animate
• Rendering
• Browser Menu
• Constraints
• Degrees of Freedom
• Bottom Up Modeling
• Top Down Modeling
• Views

Day to Day Lesson Plan:

Day 1:

Introduce the unit with an overview of Computer Aided Design (CAD). Students will familiarize themselves with the basic commands and navigation of the Autodesk Inventor software. These tutorials are meant as an overview and the student is not expected to duplicate the work being done in the video. This first set of videos is also a great refresher if the student has not used the software in a little while. The following videos should be reviewed.

1. Basic Inventor Command Overview
2. Primary Environment
3. UI Navigation 1
4. UI Navigation 2
5. Graphics Display Window
6. Navigation Controls

Note - If the student is already familiar with the Autodesk Inventor software, have them demonstrate the basics and move on to Day 3.

 

Day 2:

Students will continue to review the basics of the Inventor software. They should review the following videos.

1. Project Files
2. Creating Assemblies
3. Creating Assemblies 3
4. Animating Assemblies
5. Visualization

 

Day 3:

Students will start using Inventor to create the Clawbot model. The Overview video will give them an idea of what is expected of them in this project. Student should watch videos 1, 2 and 3 and learn how to start their CAD project.

Students will be required to download the proper files for the project on their computer. These files are required in order to move forward with this project.

 

Day 4:

Students will watch videos 4, 5 and 6. They will virtually assembly the chassis and begin the Clawbot drive train.

 

Day 5:

Students will watch videos 7 and 8. They will complete the drive train.

 

Day 6:

Students will watch videos 9 and 10. They will learn how to align gears and they will assemble the gear box for the arm.

 

Day 7:

Students will watch videos 11, 12 and 13. They will add the arm and finish the assembly of the Clawbot.

 

Day 8:

Students will watch video 14. They will learn how to use Inventor Studio. They will render an image of the Clawbot as well as an animation of the Clawbot.

Students will watch the Summary video and reflect on what they have accomplished in their engineering notebook.

 

Engineering Notebook “Seed Questions”:

1. Which items in the classroom require 3D modeling software in order to be designed and manufactured?
2. Which types of engineers use CAD and how do they use it for their day to day job?