3d Design In The Classroom

Why educators NEED to try 3D Design in their classrooms

3D design and modeling might seem like constructs exclusively for video gamers, architects, and engineers. But the truth is 3D concepts are finding their way into classrooms in a host of new and exciting ways!

For those that are unfamiliar with 3D objects and design as a teaching tool, 3D models are digital creations or objects that are designed by manipulating polygons, edges, and vertices in simulated 3D space. 3D models make the intangible seem tangible; and when 3D designs are printed, they indeed become tangible!

The boom of 3D models online

There has been an explosion of available 3D models online recently as amateur (and professional) 3D designers use tools (such as blendr) to create realistic models for gaming. These models are readily available online through a variety of hosting sites. For example, through the Unity Asset Store or Turbosquid Store.

Amazingly, these same models can create fantastic opportunities for learning. Imagine the inquiry an educator could stimulate by putting a 3D models of hominid fossils into students' hands, or the connections students could make by providing them an opportunity to closely study a 3D model of a NASA space vehicle or a molecule?

With virtual reality and embedded 3D items, one could take this idea even further by allowing students to stand squarely in the courtyard of a detailed castle or inside a mosque. Detailed 3D models allow students a greater depth of perspective of these real-world items to make stronger connections to the curriculum.

Co-creating 3D Models is the way to go!

What I've found in my classroom is that learning through 3D design can be expanded even further when students are given opportunities to create their own 3D models. Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges educators to use digital tools for creativity rather than consumption. And what better way to stimulate student creativity than to allow them opportunities to creatively design 3D items?

3D design experiences keep students engaged and excited about learning, and this learning can be connected to a variety of content areas. Consider the embedded geometric principles in 3D design as students rotate, stretch and texture items within an x, y and z axis. As they research items to create authentic replicas, they are taking more than a cursory look at a structure, they are invested in the process of analysis.

These are some examples of 3D educational apps in the market:

3D Geometry App 'Shapes' by Learn Teach Explore

3D Design and Learning app ' 3D Bear'

As students design unique items for themselves, they are creating with purpose and given a powerful tool for creative expression. In 1980, when Seymour Papert published Mindstorms , I doubt he envisioned 3D design as a tool to construct learning. But there's no doubt he'd appreciate the idea of constructing knowledge through experiences such as 3D Design with its iterative nature and the fact that the process of 3D design isn't about being right or wrong — it's the process within the process that defines the learning.

Conclusion

Considering the implementation of 3D design into the classroom might be an intimidating concept amidst the pressures of learning standards, curriculum expectations, data-driven instruction, and others, my advice is to set aside trepidation and realize the power that 3D experiences can bring to the classroom.