In this activity, students will research, sketch, and 3D model a city skyline using Tinkercad. Then students will 3D print their designs to display and take home. Curricular connections can also be made easily to geography, geometry, scaling/measurement, and informative writing.

1. Identify geometric shapes that compose real buildings.
2. Learn to model efficiently in Tinkercad using grouping, scaling, and alignment tools.
3. Practice scale and proportion when converting 2D sketches to 3D.
4. Understand the importance of overhangs, print orientation, and bases in 3D printing.
5. Reflect on the design process — from inspiration to finished product.

Learning Goals

1. Computers with Tinkercad access (mice recommended!)
2. Internet for city research
3. Centimeter grid paper + pencils for sketching
4. Access to 3D printer (optional but ideal)
5. Reference images of city skylines

Materials

1. Explore

Goal: Build visual inspiration and understand skyline composition.

1. Look up skylines from different cities: New York, Riyadh, Tokyo, Paris, Dubai, etc.
2. Discuss: What makes each skyline recognizable? (Height pattern, building shapes, landmarks.)
3. Choose one city — or invent your own futuristic one.
4. Save 1–2 reference photos.

2. Sketch

Goal: Break down buildings into basic geometric forms.

1. On centimeter grid paper, sketch your skyline using 3–5 main buildings.
2. Simplify each structure into cubes, cylinders, pyramids, wedges, etc.
3. Think in scale: each 1 cm square = 10 mm (1 cm = 10 mm).
4. Add a simple ground/base line that connects the buildings.

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؜3. Model in Tinkercad

Goal: Turn 2D sketches into a 3D skyline.

1. Start with a flat base (rectangle about 100 mm wide × 5 mm thick).
2. Build each building using primitives (boxes, cylinders, wedges, roofs).
3. Adjust each building’s height and scale using the white handles or the numeric inspector.
4. Use the Align tool to line up buildings neatly along the base.
5. Use the Group function to merge buildings that belong together.
6. Add text for your city name or your own name using the Text shape.
7. Advanced option: Use Hole shapes to cut windows or roof details.

؜4. Prepare for 3D Printing

Goal: Make sure it prints cleanly and stands up.

1. Check for overhangs — anything not supported underneath may not print well.
2. Rotate the skyline flat onto its back using the rotation arrows if too much overhang.
3. Use the hotkey D to drop the model to the workplane.
4. Add a flat base or wedge under your skyline so it can stand upright after printing.

If the design is not flat on the work plane, one trick you can use is to create a large rectangle with a short height and group the large rectangle as a hole across the bottom of your design. This will flatten the bottom of your design evenly and allow you to drop the design to the work plane and print it flat on its back.

؜4. Prepare for 3D Printing

1. Optionally, engrave your name or the city name on the base.
2. Export as .STL → ready to slice and print.
3. Open a Slicer Program
4. “Import” and select your .stl model.
5. Use Rotate or Lay Flat tools if needed.
6. Adjust the size (Scale) only if necessary — e.g., to fit the print bed.
7. Click Slice: The slicer will generate the toolpath and show: Estimated time, Material use, and preview layers
8. Save the sliced file (usually .gcode) to:
9. An SD card or USB drive for most printers
10. Insert into the printer and start the print!
11. Watch the first layer — it should stick evenly.

؜Print Settings

1. Infill: 15–25% for most models Supports: Only if there are overhangs > 45°
2. Adhesion: Add a brim or raft if the object has a small base

؜5. Print + Reflect

1. After printing, stand the skyline all next to each other upright and display!.