Mash of the Month - December

Each month we will be highlighting a #MashoftheMonth. This will focus on a tool or application within Purple Mash and how it can be used within the classroom to support learning across the curriculum. During the month,  if you share how you have used #MashoftheMonth, you will then be entered into a draw to win a 2Simple Goody bag!

2Design and Make

December’s #MashoftheMonth is 2Design and Make. 2Design and Make allows children to design a range of nets, 3D and 2D shapes on screen, then print and make them in real life. The software uses a variety of templates such as vehicles, houses and 3D shapes. 2Design and Make can be used to support a range of curriculum areas including Design, Maths and topic work. 3D models created in 2Design and Make can also be printed using a 3D printer. If your school does not have a 3D printer, you can save your model in a format suitable for sending to external online services to upload your models and have them sent to you in 3D.

3D models

There are a range of 3D models included in the application, including: a car, train, carriage, bus, van, house and a person.  When creating a 3D model, the child can see three different screen areas, the points view, the 3D view and the Net view. They can then change the shape of the model and can rotate it and see all aspects of the model. Paint tools are also available allowing children to fully customise their model and add text. The print button saves the net of your model as a pdf which allows children to create an actual 3D model of their design. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can save your file in STL format for 3D printing.

2Design and Make across the curriculum

There are many ways that 2Design and Make can be used across the curriculum. Maths is an obvious area that the application can be used. Children can make a range of polygons, save and print to make a range of nets and 3D shapes, having discussions around perimeter and area and the different types of nets created.

For EYLF children, the 2D models of a crown, fish teddy and cat can be customised and used to retell stories. The children can all go on a bear hunt or retell Goldilocks for example.  They can use the 3D model vehicles to design their own truck to transport food from farm to table.

Older children can design packaging for items, thinking about purpose, design and audience. This is exactly what Year 5 children at Holme Valley did.  They can use the 3D models of the houses to create their own urban development.

The festive period

2Design and Make is also perfect for activities at this festive time of year!  They could use the application to create their own gift boxes perhaps for Christmas cookies, or create their own Santa or snowman packaging or Santa village as the students at Wideview Public School, NSW did.

The only limit to the application is children’s imagination!

We would love to see how you use our #MashoftheMonth this month – you can either share examples via our Twitter or Facebook pages. All examples will be entered into our monthly draw to win a 2Simple goody bag!