SpaceCAD
Projects based on authentic NASA drawings teach about the space program.
GRADE LEVEL:
9-12, Advanced
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0116628/
CONTENT:
This ThinkQuest entry offers lessons in computer-aided drafting and design (CAD) for high school students and for adults.
AESTHETICS:
SpaceCAD has a Flash intro. The remainder of the site has a simple layout with a bright background that makes reading a little difficult. The site is also available in French and Spanish.
ORGANIZATION:
The front-page image map will take visitors to the main parts of the site. A handy site map and all internal pages have a top navigation bar.
REVIEW:
Give your students the opportunity to learn about the history of the NASA space program while learning to use CAD (computer-assisted drafting and design) software. A "lite" version of the software is available for download from the site. SpaceCAD offers a series of 11 lessons, slide shows, interactive quizzes, and design projects that are based on authentic technical drawings from NASA. Students will learn the basics for creating two-dimensional drawings, orthographic projections of three-dimensional objects, sectional views, and isometric drawings. One lesson covers the steps that engineers take in the design process. Students can apply their newly acquired skills to complete the design challenges, which include designing a lunar rover, a Mars lander, or a satellite.
