SketchUp is a free 3D modeling program available through Google. The tool allows students and teachers to explore, explain, and present ideas using 3D models, to create structures to compliment Google Earth tours, and even to submit creations for addition to Google’s collection. The ‘how to’ videos are terrific, getting you off to a quick start in this slick program. Educators can get the “Pro" version free at Google SketchUp.
SketchUp can assists students in grasping abstract concepts in geometry such as analyzing characteristics and properties of two- and three- dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships. SketchUp can enhance students’ visualization, and spatial reasoning, and promote geometric modeling to solve problems. SketchUp makes abstract concepts such as area and volume easier to grasp because of the interactivity in the 3D view on the screen. Traditional drawing is about translating what you see onto a flat piece of paper: going from 3D to 2D, which is hard to do for most people. In SketchUp, you’re always in 3D, so no translation is involved- you just build, and SketchUp takes care of stuff like perspective and shading for you. It is a 3D modeling program and can be used for problem-solving. SketchUp is a tool that will enhance creativity. It helps students to conceptualize and visualize. It can promote student engagement and motivation, Most of all, SketchUp is great to use as a tool for differentiated instruction.
Learn to use SketchUp by trying out the self paced learning tutorials.
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