3. Success Criteria
Aims
• To understand what 3D modelling is.
• To become familiar with Tinkercad software.
• To add and move 3D objects.
• I can explain why 3D modelling is useful.
• I can change my viewpoint to show different perspectives.
• I can add a 3D object to the workplane and move it around.
• I can duplicate a 3D object.
4. In the past, 3D models were
produced using physical
materials, such as wood, paper or
card. Nowadays, computer
software is an even more powerful
tool for 3D modelling as it allows
objects to be edited and modified
more easily. Models can be
manipulated, shared and
presented on a computer screen.
What Is 3D Modelling?
3D modelling is a method of creating three-dimensional representations
of an object. 3D models have three dimensions; height, width and depth.
Which of these dinosaurs is a 3D model? How do you know?
Think About It: what is 3D modelling?
5. What Is 3D Modelling?
When you create a 3D model,
the model is made up of lines that meet each other.
When these lines meet, they form a point.
Each point is called a vertex.
If there are more than one of these points,
they are referred to as vertices.
For example:
A cube has 8 vertices
and an octahedron has 6 vertices.
When creating a 3D model using a computer, these vertices form a mesh
and are used as the main frame of the 3D model.
Within the 3D software, each point of the 3D model can be changed to
alter the shape.
6. What Is 3D Modelling?
When creating a 3D model
using a computer, these
vertices form a mesh and are
used as the main frame of the
3D model.
These spinners have
been designed using
3D modelling software
and then printed using
a 3D printer.
7. Why Is 3D Modelling Useful?
3D modelling is important for a number of reasons:
• It can create characters and scenes to make imaginary worlds.
• It can be used to make customised objects.
• It improves sustainability because models reduce the need for
expensive resources.
• It saves time and money.
• It can be used to share and present ideas.
• It encourages innovation and creativity because designs can be easily
tested, edited and improved.
• It can improve safety by providing a safe environment to train
or test new concepts.
Can you think of any 3D models that help you to learn
in your classroom?
X
8. Why Is 3D Modelling Useful?
Think About It: 3D modelling is
used in many different industries.
Can you think of any?
Use the Why is 3D Modelling Useful?
Activity Sheet to see if you can match the
professions to the way in which they make
use of 3D modelling
9. 3D models of
the organs of
the body allow
doctors to train
safely.
Animators and
video game
designers can
create virtual
worlds and
characters.
When creating
a 3D model using a
computer, these
vertices form a mesh
and are used as the
main frame of the 3D
model.
Why Is 3D Modelling Useful?
10. In this unit of work, you will be using free, online software called
Tinkercad to create your own exciting 3D models.
Tinkercad
But first, you need to learn some basics!
Take a look at the Tinkercad interface.
General Tools
View Cube
View Tools
Workplane
Basic Shapes
Can you see any tools that are similar to ones to ones you
have used in other software packages?
X
11. Tinkercad
The View Tools allow you to zoom in and out of your project
and let you see a close-up of the 3D objects on the Workplane.
Reset the Workplane so you
can see the whole view.
Fit all of your 3D models in
view on the Workplane.
Zoom in
Zoom out
Switch your Workplane between
a flat view (Orthographic)
and a 3D view (Perspective).
12. Tinkercad
When you create a new project in Tinkercad, the program
automatically generates an exciting name for your work.
Check out some of these suggested names:
Bodacious
Elzing-Kasi
Amazing
Bruticus-Snicket
Glorious
Hango
These names are fun but before you start work you should
change the name to something that will be easier to recognise
next time you open it.
File names should tell a user what is included in the file.
Top Tip:
13. Adding and Moving Objects
Now we are familiar with the Tinkercad interface, let's find
out how to use it to start modelling.
Click on a Basic
Shape and drag it
onto the Workplane.
In this example, two shapes have been
added onto the Workplane; a cylinder
and a cone.
14. Adding and Moving Objects
It is sometimes useful to make an exact copy of an object.
This can be done using the Duplicate tool.
Adding Objects to the Workplane
Click on the object on the
Workplane that you want to
copy.
Click on the Duplicate tool.
The new copy is placed exactly on top
of the original shape, so at first it may
look like nothing has happened.
Click and drag the object to a new position and you will see that
there are now two identical objects on the Workplane.
15. Adding and Moving Objects
To move an object, click on it to select it.
A blue line will appear around the selected shape.
Moving Objects on the Workplane
You will also see black lines with squares on them.
These squares are called handles.
handles
Handles allow you to manipulate and
move the object in different ways.
Do not click on the handles when you
are trying to move an object.
To move your selected object,
click on it (avoiding the
handles) and drag the object
to where you want to place it.
16. Adding and Moving Objects
Try pushing your mouse upwards away from you.
What happens to the object?
Moving Objects on the Workplane
Try pulling your mouse downwards towards you.
What happens to the object?
You will notice numbers that change as you move
the position of the object on the Workplane,
along with arrows that change length. These
numbers are dimensions. They are measuring the
position of the object on the Workplane.
17. Different Viewpoints
To view shapes on the Workplane from different
perspectives, click and hold the View Cube to
change the viewing angle.
You can view the objects from the following
perspectives:
Bottom Top Right
Left Back Front
18. Different Viewpoints
Now it’s your turn to have a go and
practise the skills you have learnt today.
Follow the instructions on the
Different Viewpoints Activity Sheet.
19. What Do You Think?
So, you’ve been learning all about
3D modelling in school today. In my
day we concentrated on the
important things, like maths and
reading. Why is 3D modelling so
important?
Having learnt about 3D modelling today,
how would you answer this question?
20. Success Criteria
Aims
• To understand what 3D modelling is.
• To become familiar with Tinkercad software.
• To add and move 3D objects.
• I can explain why 3D modelling is useful.
• I can change my viewpoint to show different perspectives.
• I can add a 3D object to the workplane and move it around..
• I can duplicate a 3D object.
