Building Locker Mini-Worlds: A CAD Course with a Semester-Long Project

Computer-aided design (CAD) education requires extensive practice for students to grasp 3D spatial thinking effectively.In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a CAD curriculum within the Creative Technology and Design undergraduate program at the ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder.The curriculum aims to cultivate students' proficiency in 3D spatial thinking through a semester-long project focused on constructing miniature worlds within lockers.Through this project-based approach, students engage in hands-on learning, applying CAD techniques while fostering collaboration and creativity.The curriculum design integrates Project-Based Learning and Collaborative Learning methodologies, providing students with autonomy and encouraging teamwork.Weekly design assignments and milestones guide students through the project's development, enabling iterative design and continuous feedback.This pedagogical approach emphasizes practical application and reinforces theoretical concepts.Student learning outcomes indicate increased engagement and proficiency in CAD software, with all the students completing their mini-world projects.The curriculum effectively enhances students' CAD skills and engineering design capabilities.We also discuss the challenges that students face with this curriculum.Our curriculum offers a comprehensive learning experience, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application.By emphasizing hands-on learning and collaborative projects, the curriculum prepares students for real-world engineering challenges.We conclude this paper with recommendations for educators based on lessons learned from the implementation, aiming to further enhance the effectiveness of CAD education.