Computer Aided Design

[LindaT]

I have been asked to research CAD for our primary school. Just wondered what everyone was using? Any recommendations would be great. Thanks

[fairm010]

In terms of Hardware or the Software for CAD?

[glen_j]

if you're looking for software Sketchup is free and quite good.

[pete]

Our Y7's start out with Sketchup Make and 2D Design from Techsoft.

 

For actual "send something to be cut out/milled" it's mostly 2D Design & Solidworks.

 

I suspect Autodesk may be OTT, but most of the software is free for schools: https://schools.autodesk.com/login/

[LindaT]

We are looking at software for key stage 2

[pcstru]

TinkerCAD seems to get good traction in primary schools. You could add a little to the experience by getting some of the models printed.

 

Techsoft have a specific product aimed at primary - although Inkscape could probably do just as well.

 

There is FreeCAD which could be used by a skilled teacher but without a good focus, might be a little intimidating.

 

Google Sketch up should be within the capability of primary age - but again it would depend a lot on the skill of the teacher being able to focus well on using a limited set of the features.

[fairm010]

From what I am aware of our KS2 use Autodesk Inventor quite well. It's free too.