This matrix maps the progression of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) competencies across grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12) for the smart servo assistive technology curriculum. It shows when specific competencies are introduced, developed, mastered, and applied throughout the K-12 sequence.
Hover over any competency code for detailed information, including the competency's full description and its alignment with smart servo lessons.
| COMPETENCY | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CAD 1.1: Technical Vocabulary
Competency DescriptionUnderstanding and using design terminology appropriate to grade level, including terms for features, constraints, and manufacturing considerations.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require students to learn and use technical vocabulary related to mechanical systems, electronics, and design features. Students naturally acquire terms related to servos, motion, mechanical connections, and user interfaces.
Key ConceptsDesign terminology, technical communication, feature naming, professional vocabulary
|
I | D | D | M | A |
|
CAD 1.2: Design Process
Competency DescriptionFollowing structured design processes, from initial concept through final documentation, with appropriate consideration for stakeholder needs and engineering constraints.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects implement the human-centered design process directly. Students learn to follow a structured approach that includes empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases, particularly when designing assistive technology for specific clients.
Key ConceptsDesign thinking, process management, documentation, stakeholder engagement, constraint analysis
|
I | D | D | M | A |
|
CAD 1.3: Documentation
Competency DescriptionCreating and maintaining technical documentation, including design notes, specifications, drawings, and user instructions appropriate to the product and audience.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects naturally require some documentation, but may need additional emphasis on formal technical documentation practices. Teachers should include explicit requirements for project documentation, including design rationale and user instructions.
Key ConceptsTechnical documentation, specifications, user guides, design logs, revision history
|
I | D | M | A | |
|
CAD 1.4: Professional Communication
Competency DescriptionPresenting designs and participating in reviews, using appropriate technical language and visuals to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects involve client interactions and presentations, but may need structured review sessions and formal presentation requirements to fully address this competency. Adding design reviews and client presentations enhances alignment.
Key ConceptsDesign reviews, client presentations, technical explanations, visual communication
|
I | D | M |
| COMPETENCY | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CAD 2.1: Freehand Sketching
Competency DescriptionQuick visualization of ideas through freehand sketches, including multiple views and iterations to explore concepts before digital modeling.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects benefit from initial sketching during ideation, but teachers should explicitly require sketch documentation before CAD work begins. Integration with ideation phases of the design process provides natural opportunities.
Key ConceptsConcept sketching, visual thinking, design iteration, quick visualization
|
I | D | M | M | A |
|
CAD 2.2: Technical Drawing
Competency DescriptionCreating and interpreting orthographic and isometric views, including understanding of projections, dimensions, and standard conventions.Alignment with Smart ServoNeeds SupplementationWhile Smart Servo projects require understanding mechanical components, they don't inherently teach technical drawing conventions. Teachers should add specific instruction on drawing standards and require technical drawings as part of the documentation process.
Key ConceptsOrthographic projection, isometric views, dimensioning, drawing standards
|
I | D | M | A | |
|
CAD 2.3: Advanced Visualization
Competency DescriptionCreating and interpreting complex views including sections, details, exploded views, and assembly drawings to communicate detailed design intent.Alignment with Smart ServoNeeds SupplementationSmart servo projects involve complex assemblies, but don't naturally require advanced visualization techniques. Additional assignments specifically focused on creating section views, exploded diagrams, and assembly documentation will be needed.
Key ConceptsSection views, exploded diagrams, assembly drawings, detail views
|
I | D | M | ||
|
CAD 2.4: Geometric Analysis
Competency DescriptionUnderstanding spatial constraints and relationships, including clearances, interferences, mechanical advantage, and motion paths in complex assemblies.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects directly address geometric analysis through the design of mechanical systems with moving parts. Students must analyze motion paths, clearances, and mechanical relationships to create functional assistive devices.
Key ConceptsInterference detection, clearance analysis, mechanical motion, spatial constraints
|
I | D | M |
| COMPETENCY | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CAD 3.1: CAD Fundamentals
Competency DescriptionInterface navigation and basic modeling, including creating and modifying simple parts with basic features such as extrusions, cuts, and fillets.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require designing custom mounting brackets, adaptors, and interfaces that naturally introduce students to CAD fundamentals. Creating these components requires basic modeling skills in OnShape or similar CAD software.
Key ConceptsInterface navigation, basic modeling, feature creation, simple modification
|
I | D | M | A | |
|
CAD 3.2: Parametric Modeling
Competency DescriptionCreating feature-based models with relationships, using parameters, equations, and constraints to build adaptable and robust models that respond to changes.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects benefit from parametric modeling when creating adjustable components, but explicit instruction on parametric design principles may be needed. Projects requiring size adjustments for different users provide natural applications.
Key ConceptsParameters, constraints, design intent, feature relationships, design tables
|
I | D | M | ||
|
CAD 3.3: Assembly Modeling
Competency DescriptionCreating assemblies with constraints, including proper mate types, mechanisms, and motion studies to validate mechanical functionality before fabrication.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects directly require assembly modeling skills as students must integrate the servo with custom-designed parts and existing hardware. Creating functional mechanisms that properly animate is essential for successful implementation.
Key ConceptsAssembly constraints, mechanism design, motion analysis, interference detection
|
I | D | M | ||
|
CAD 3.4: Advanced CAD
Competency DescriptionCreating complex features and utilizing design automation, including surface modeling, design tables, configurations, and API integration for advanced applications.Alignment with Smart ServoNeeds SupplementationSmart servo projects don't naturally require advanced CAD techniques. Teachers should add specific challenges requiring configurations, design tables, or API integration to address this competency in upper grades.
Key ConceptsSurface modeling, design automation, configurations, API integration
|
I | D |
| COMPETENCY | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CAD 4.1: Manufacturing Awareness
Competency DescriptionUnderstanding processes and limitations, including awareness of various manufacturing methods and their impact on design decisions and material selection.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects involve fabrication decisions, particularly for 3D printing, but may need explicit instruction on manufacturing constraints. Discussions about why certain designs can or cannot be manufactured enhance alignment.
Key ConceptsManufacturing methods, material properties, design constraints, production limitations
|
I | D | M | A | |
|
CAD 4.2: 3D Printing
Competency DescriptionPreparing models for additive manufacturing, including considerations for support structures, orientation, wall thickness, and other factors affecting print quality and strength.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects typically require custom 3D printed components, providing direct experience with preparing files for printing. Students learn to consider orientation, supports, and structural integrity for functional parts.
Key ConceptsPrint orientation, support structures, wall thickness, infill patterns, material selection
|
I | D | M | A | |
|
CAD 4.3: Other Digital Fabrication
Competency DescriptionPreparing files for various processes, including laser cutting, CNC machining, and other digital fabrication methods, with appropriate file formats and process-specific considerations.Alignment with Smart ServoNeeds SupplementationSmart servo projects primarily use 3D printing and don't naturally incorporate other fabrication methods. Teachers should introduce projects requiring laser cutting or CNC machining to expand students' digital fabrication knowledge.
Key ConceptsLaser cutting, CNC machining, file preparation, toolpath generation, material selection
|
I | D | M | ||
|
CAD 4.4: Design for Manufacturing
Competency DescriptionOptimizing designs for specific processes, including considerations for cost, production volume, assembly, and other factors affecting manufacturability and quality.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects require functional parts, but may need additional emphasis on manufacturing optimization. Adding requirements for cost analysis, assembly efficiency, and production scalability enhances alignment.
Key ConceptsDesign for assembly, cost optimization, production scaling, manufacturing efficiency
|
I | D |