Lesson 1

I used a projector to demonstrate the tasks in ProDesktop and then had to send the students into a different room for their own work, so I tried to make the handouts as thorough as possible.

During the initial demo I had them use the keyword Bingo sheet, because this session will confuse your students to begin with, and they have to pay close attention.

If at all possible print the instruction sheets in colour, they will be easier to follow. I paired up my students, and they had to share one instruction sheet between them, which made them try to solve minor problems together.

Trouble shooting

If you find that a profile won’t revolve, check that the axis is selected and that it consists of one line only. Another possibility is that the profile would cut into itself when rotated, so check and amend any undercuts. Another mistake I came across was stray lines or dots away from the main drawing, delete them so the profile can close.

Sometimes only re-starting ProDesktop will solve a problem.

Stress that your students have to follow the ‘selecting workplane, creating new sketch’ procedure, since the counters have to stand up in the assembly file. I ended up with several counters on their side in the assembly files, and it took me a while to figure out what went wrong.

Lesson 2

Your students should have created at least 1 counter during the previous lesson, some of mine managed 2. You will find that most will have got their heads around the task.

Again I demonstrated first, then sent the girls to get started themselves. Use the second instruction sheet to guide them through setting up an assembly file and creating a rendering at their own pace.

Troubleshooting

While adding components, the counters will be put into the file on top of each other, possibly hiding each other. Just use the select parts tool to move them apart.

If you find that some of your students have drawn their counters lying down, get them to create a game board and then mate the underside of their counters onto the top of the board.

Assigning materials is a bit tedious, but the instant results mean your students will manage. Just make sure they remember to use the traffic light to update the screen.

Lesson 3

Use this lesson to make sure everyone has created their 4 counters and is able to  print a colour copy of their work. Some students can use the third handout to add to their work. I deliberately didn’t offer much help with the extension tasks, more able students are usually able to work out minor problems on their own.

Lesson 4

You might need some more time to print work.

Use the presentation to introduce the idea of CAD/CAM, then let your students do the worksheet. For obvious reasons the presentation is a bit on the 'girly' side, but there are plenty of other examples out there, just change what you don’t like. I’ve tried to show my sources wherever possible in the presentation, please let me know, if you find mistakes.

Enjoy!