Theory
🕹️ 24. Creating a Ball Slide Simulation
In this chapter, we’ll embark on an exciting journey of building a ball slide simulation using Tinker cad Sim Lab. Learn how to set up the slide, add ladders, introduce colourful balls, and run simulations to watch the action unfold. Let’s roll!
Opening Tinker cad:
- 🌟 How to start a new 3D design project in Tinker cad.
- 🌐 Open Google Chrome and search for ‘Tinker cad’.
- 🔍 Click on the first link to open Tinker cad.
- 📂 Once the page loads, find ‘Designs’ on the left side of your screen.
Starting Your 3D Design:
- 🏗️ How to begin creating a 3D model.
- 📚 Click on ‘Designs’.
- 🆕 Click ‘Create’, then choose the ‘3D Design’ option.
- 🖥️ Your 3D design workspace will appear.
Building the Slide:
- 🎢 How to create a slide structure for the balls to move down.
- 📦 Select a box shape from the basic shapes.
- 📏 Adjust its size using the white squares.
- 🔄 Duplicate the box by clicking on ‘Duplicate and Repeat’ on the left side of your screen.
- 📐 Adjust the size of the duplicated box and place it in a way to form a slide.
- 👥 Group the two boxes together by selecting them and clicking ‘Group’.
- 🔄 Use the rotate tool to tilt the slide into the correct position.
Adding Ladders to the Slide:
- 🪜 How to add ladders to your slide structure.
- 📦 Take another box shape for the ladder.
- 📏 Adjust its size and rotate it to match the angle of the slide.
- 🔄 Duplicate the ladder and place it parallel to the first one.
- 📏 Adjust the slide so it fits perfectly between the two ladders.
- 👥 Group all parts together.
Colouring Your Slide:
- 🌈 How to change the colour of your slide for a more attractive look.\
- 🎨 Click on the slide.
- 🎨 Choose a colour you like, such as blue, from the colour options.
- 🎨 Apply the colour to the slide.
Adding Balls to the Slide:
- 🎾 How to place balls at the top of the slide for the simulation.
- 🔄 Use the duplicate tool to create multiple balls.
- 🌸 Change the colour of the balls for variety, like making them pink.
- 🎯 Place the balls at the top of the slide.
Preparing for Simulation in Sim Lab:
- ⚙️ How to set up your model for a simulation.
- 🍏 Click on the Sim Lab icon (apple icon) on the right side of your screen.
- 🛡️ Select your slide structure and make it static by clicking on ‘Make Static’. This will prevent the slide from moving during the simulation.
- 🚀 Ensure your balls are not set to static so they can move during the simulation.
Running the Simulation:
- ▶️ How to start and observe the simulation.
- ▶️ Once everything is set, click on the ‘Play’ button at the bottom of your screen.
- 👁️ Watch as the balls slide down the structure.
- 🧲 Observe how the balls interact with the slide and each other.
Wrapping Up Your Project:
- 🏁 The importance of reviewing and saving your work.
- 🤔 After watching the simulation, feel free to make any adjustments to your design.
- 🧪 Experiment with different materials or the positioning of the balls for varied results.
- 💾 Once satisfied, save your project to preserve your creation.
Creating simulations in Tinker cad is a great way to learn about physics and have fun with 3D modelling. Keep experimenting with different designs and enjoy seeing your creations come to life! 🎉