Skip to main content

MDE:Sketchup in the Classroom

Doug Paulson, K-12 STEM specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education shared information about the state license Minnesota has for Sketchup Pro, a Computer Aided Design program.
The Pro version can be translated into other CAD programs as well, and it can be shared within presentations to show 3D drawings and build understanding of the real world. 
Paulson shared how the flow of ideas between the practice of science to the practice of engineering to the interactions of science, engineering and society can be set up on each grade level.
Paulson had us open Sketchup and begin learning to use the tools.


He discussed how using these tools, and allowing students to add the colors and textures that they wanted allowed them to explore design. With 4th graders, he had them design solar ovens, and then had them discuss why their design would be the best. Then he had them actually build and test it out.

This can be used to have students build bridges or other structures, and put them into Google Earth, to see how their design works with the world around it. Geolocation can be added to the 3D model. Through the 3D warehouse, other structures already created, like the Minnesota Capital can be added.

Paulson asked the following questions to discuss with colleagues:
  1. How might this support instruction?
  2. How does this scaffold through instruction?
  3. What support systems might need to be developed?

I talked about this with staff from St. Louis Park, and we discussed the great applications for multiple subject levels, but also the need for training of staff and students, as well as the need for this to work on multiple devices. Right now, it is limited to Mac and PC.

We then came back and shared ideas on how Sketchup might be used.

  • Do develop a game space
  • Redesign a space
  • Design a building in your community
  • Use primary sources to recreate buildings from a historical era.
I see this as a great tool for the "maker" in all of us as a way to meet many curricular standards. I was reminded of the Wireframe program, Wireman, I used with my students in the early 1990's, that allowed us to FTP files to a Cray XMP SuperComputer at Lawrence Livermore Labs. After a few hours, we were able to download an 8-bit rendered movie with color and light sources in place. Students motivation to create in that space gave them a better understanding of the X-Y-Z axis than any Geometry class I had taught. They saw the real world application right away,and it made sense to them. Sketchup can do all of that and more, without having to wait hours to see the results!

How might you use it?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Nos Chemins vers la paix: Award Winning Video!

Valley View Middle School French Imersion teacher, Heather Palmer created this award winning video, Nos Chemins vers la paix , for the Tel.A.Vision " Vision For America " Contest. Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com Powered by One True Media , Tel.A.Vision.tv allows students to create videos that share their vision for the future. Heather wanted to use this video to promote the Wiki she and her students created for "6 Billion Paths to Peace." On the wiki, Palmer states: Our project was inspired by the program " Six Billion Paths to Peace ", an initiative of the Shinnyo-en foundation. We like the challenge the program offers us: commit to making a difference in this moment, in this day, in this lifetime! Palmer received her award last week at the National Service Learning Conference, in Nashville, TN. Way to go, Heather! NOTE: A few weeks ago while looking at the copyright free music available on the site, I notice a cover of the "Spinal

TIES 2012: Kathryn Smith: Innovative Spaces Support 21st Century Learning

Kathryn Smith , former Bemidji State professor, presented on Innovative Spaces Support 21st Century Learning. Her presentation slides can be found here . Today, learning can happen anywhere, anytime, and on any device.  She started by using PollEverywhere to ask about the status of mobile technologies and school learning environments. She thinks that the TPACK model is a good one to use when implementing professional development around 21st Century learning. We are using this model in our BYOD professional development. Smith notes that the National Educational Technology Plan , is a great road map for change. Research has shown that the appropriate use of technology and the appropriate design of learning spaces is having a significant positive impact on learning. The learning spaces today are not that far removed from 19th Century classrooms. She showed this video from the University of Michigan on research on design of learning environment. Here are more videos fro