Lesson Plan

Creating a Simple 3D House Using SketchUp for Schools

Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to design a basic 3D house using key tools and features within SketchUp for Schools.

Duration: 60 minutes

Materials:

Introduction (10 minutes):

Display an example of a simple 3D house model on the projector.
Discuss the importance of architectural design in our daily lives.
Briefly explain how SketchUp for Schools helps architects and designers visualize their ideas.

Direct Instruction (15 minutes):

Open SketchUp for Schools and familiarize students with the user interface.
Show the basic tools they'll use: Line, Rectangle, Push/Pull, Orbit, Paint Bucket, and Roof.
Start modeling a basic house: a. Draw a rectangle for the base. b. Use Push/Pull to give it height. c. Create a triangular roof using the Line tool. d. Pull the triangular face to give the roof depth.

Guided Practice (20 minutes):

Have students open SketchUp for Schools on their computers.
Direct them step-by-step in creating their house: a. Draw the base. b. Raise the walls. c. Draw and raise the roof.
Now, guide them to add details: a. Windows: Draw small rectangles and push them in slightly. b. Door: Draw a rectangle on one wall and push it in. c. Paint: Use the Paint Bucket tool to apply colors or textures.
Demonstrate the Orbit tool to view their house from different perspectives.

Independent Practice (10 minutes):

Let students refine and personalize their houses. They can add additional details like a chimney, garden, pathway, or even multiple rooms.
Encourage creativity and exploration of other tools within SketchUp.

Closing (5 minutes):

Invite students to share their designs by projecting them.
Discuss the various designs and features introduced by students.
Mention the vast possibilities with SketchUp for advanced designs and the wide applications in various industries.

Assessment:

Observe student engagement and assistance needs during the guided and independent practice stages.
Collect the SketchUp files or ask students to screenshot their designs for review or grading.

Extensions:

For advanced or interested learners: Introduce concepts like grouping, making components, and importing items from the 3D Warehouse.
Start a project series where students design an entire neighborhood or a dream house over multiple lessons.

Homework/Next Steps:

Ask students to make a list of features they'd like in their dream home and bring it to the next lesson for a more advanced house designing session.
In the subsequent lessons, delve deeper into SketchUp tools, focusing on interiors, landscaping, or even urban planning concepts.