Learning Targets
- Identify the XY, XZ, and YZ origin planes.
- Use Line, Rectangle, Circle, Arc, and Trim.
- Use the sketch origin intentionally and create clean profiles.
IED Unit 2 • Lesson 2.2
Sketch Planes and 2D Sketching
Focus question: How does the plane an engineer chooses affect the way a CAD model is created?
Your lesson guide
Objective
Identify the XY, XZ, and YZ origin planes. Use Line, Rectangle, Circle, Arc, and Trim. Use the sketch origin intentionally and create clean profiles.
Materials
For the online work: a browser and your engineering notebook. Follow the activity’s materials list for any physical build, and get teacher approval before using equipment.
Plan your time
Suggested work block: 45–60 minutes. Physical builds and projects may span several classes; follow your teacher’s schedule.
Lesson Overview
What You Are Learning
How to Approach the Work
Use the instructor demonstration to understand the tool or design decision, then complete the assigned work independently and verify the result before submission.
LearnModelVerifyReviseSubmit
Sketch Reference
Lesson 2.2 Sketch Practice Sheet
Use this image as a geometry reference while you recreate the required sketch shapes in Fusion.
Open the image in a new browser tab if you need a larger view while you work in Fusion.
Important for Lesson 2.2: Use this sheet to recreate the shapes only. Do not worry about fully constraining or dimensioning the sketches yet unless your instructor specifically tells you to. Constraints are the focus of Lesson 2.3, and fully dimensioned sketches are the focus of Lesson 2.4.
Assignment
Sketch Planes and 2D Sketching
You will create your first Fusion sketches. The focus is choosing the correct sketch plane and producing clean 2D geometry. Do not add dimensions or formal constraints yet unless the instructor specifically directs you to.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start on the correct origin plane: Turn on the Origin folder and identify the XY, XZ, and YZ planes. Before each sketch, decide which plane gives the clearest view of the shape you are about to create.
- Practice basic sketch tools: Create the assigned Line, Rectangle, Circle, and Arc examples. Use Trim to remove unwanted portions. Keep profiles closed when they are intended to become future solid features.
- Use the origin intentionally: Place geometry relative to the sketch origin instead of drawing randomly in empty space. The origin should help you control the location of the sketch later.
- Create the mounting-plate profile: Start a new sketch for the independent mounting plate. Reproduce the required overall shape using only the sketch tools introduced in this lesson. Do not dimension or formally constrain the plate yet.
- Inspect the sketch: Zoom in and check for doubled lines, tiny gaps, stray geometry, or accidental open profiles. Delete construction mistakes rather than leaving extra geometry in the file.
Before You Submit
- The intended profile is closed.
- No unnecessary duplicate lines are present.
- The mounting plate is on an intentional origin plane.
- No dimensions or formal constraints have been added unless directed.
Submission
What You Will Submit
File requirements: In Fusion, open the design and choose File → Export. Select Fusion 360 Archive Files (*.f3d), save it with the required filename, and submit that exported file. Save the screenshot separately as PNG.
LockwoodSTEM Tutorial
Lesson Video
LockwoodSTEM Tutorial — IED 2.2
Use this instructor-recorded tutorial to review the Fusion skills demonstrated for this lesson. Pause, rewind, and follow along in your own Fusion file as needed.
Resources
Lesson Resources
IED Unit 2
Return to the Unit 2 lesson list and course sequence.
Introduction to Engineering Design
Return to the IED course hub for units, resources, certifications, and current course information.
Build your lesson report
Checkpoint: is your evidence ready?
- Check calculations, units, labels, and measurements against the activity requirements.
- Record what actually happened, including unexpected results.
- Explain what you changed and why; attach required drawings, photos, CAD, or code in your classroom assignment.
Fusion archive: design containing all required sketches. Export as LastName_FirstName_2_2_Sketching.f3d. Mounting-plate screenshot: completed mounting-plate sketch with the Fusion Browser visible. Save as LastName_FirstName_2_2_MountingPlate.png. File requirements: In Fusion, open the design and choose File → Export. Select Fusion 360 Archive Files (*.f3d), save it with the required filename, and submit that exported file. Save the screenshot separately as PNG.
A PDF download is not a submission. Review it, then upload it and any required attachments through your classroom assignment system.