Google SketchUp is a program that allows either teachers or students to create presentations and explain ideas using 3d images. SketchUp can be used in all classrooms. For lower elementary it is great for making education fun. It can be used in a geometry lesson to explain area and volume. It can also be used to create virtual museum tours or recreate historical settings to introduce a history lesson. K-12 students can use this program to design sets for school plays, create models of cars, space ships, buildings, it can be used in shop class and for architecture, students can design their own communities, and many more projects could be done using SketchUp.
One of the cool features to SketchUp is adding 3d models you create to Google Earth. Once you build your model, you can upload it to Google Earth, wait for it to be approved, and then your model will actually appear on Google Earth. This could be a really fun tool for students to build models of their schools or homes and add them for the world to see!
There are many tutorial videos that guide you through this program. Because it is so extensive, I did not create my own video showing how to use the program, but here is a you tube video that will help any new user get started:
Visit the slide show of some students' work on Google SketchUp to see some examples of how this program can be used.
This program can be downloaded for free here. Also, there is a more advanced program Google SketchUp Pro that is free for educators.
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I would love to get in touch with you about your student work shown in your slideshow. I'm starting a new forum on SketchUp in education, and we're looking for all sorts of student models in a variety of subjects. Please contact me at bonnie@3dvinci.net.
ReplyDeleteAlso, we have a free teacher guide with SketchUp projects for various ages and subjects. www.3dvinci.net/teacherguide.