Space Station

Designing a Space Station with SketchUp for Schools

Grade Level: Middle School (6th to 8th Grade)

Duration: 5 Days (1 hour/day)

Objective: Students will understand the basic elements of a space station, use SketchUp for Schools to design a 3D model of their own space station, and present their design concepts.

Materials:

• Computers with internet access and SketchUp for Schools installed.

• Projector to demonstrate features of SketchUp.

• Printed handouts with key SketchUp commands.

• Research materials on space stations (books, online resources).

Day 1 - Introduction to Space Stations and SketchUp

1. Introduction (15 minutes):

• Brief discussion on space stations: What are they? Why are they important?

• Show images of the International Space Station (ISS) and other designs.

2. Introduction to SketchUp (30 minutes):

• Explain what SketchUp for Schools is.

• Basic navigation: Orbit, Pan, and Zoom.

• Basic tools: Line, Rectangle, Push/Pull, Circle, Move.

3. Practice (15 minutes):

• Allow students to open the application and explore the basic tools.

Homework: Provide students with a list of key elements a space station should have (e.g., solar panels, living quarters, labs). Ask them to sketch a rough draft on paper.

Day 2 - Research and Brainstorming

1. Group Discussion (15 minutes):

• Students discuss their homework sketches and ideas.

2. Research Activity (30 minutes):

• Using provided resources, students will look up the different parts of a space station and their functions.

3. Brainstorming Session (15 minutes):

• Discuss different features they want in their own space station.

• Encourage creativity: What would a futuristic space station have?

Day 3 - Beginning the Design

1. Recap SketchUp Tools (10 minutes):

• Use the projector to remind students of the tools they'll use most.

2. Starting the Design (40 minutes):

• Students start their design in SketchUp.

• Encourage them to start with larger structures first (e.g., main hull or living quarters).

3. Group Check-in (10 minutes):

• Pause to discuss progress.

• Students can share challenges or interesting design choices.

Day 4 - Continuing the Design and Adding Details

1. Quick Tutorial (15 minutes):

• Introduce students to more advanced tools: Scale, Rotate, Offset.

• Discuss adding details like windows, doors, solar panels, and more.

2. Design Time (35 minutes):

• Students continue their design, now adding details.

3. Peer Review (10 minutes):

• Students pair up to review each other’s designs.

• Share constructive feedback and suggestions.

Day 5 - Finalizing and Presentation

1. Final Touches (30 minutes):

• Students finalize their designs.

• Encourage them to think about colors, textures, and other finishing touches.

2. Presentation (25 minutes):

• Students present their space station design to the class.

• Discuss their inspiration, features, and what they learned.

3. Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Wrap up the lesson.

• Discuss the importance of design in space exploration.

Assessment:

• Participation in class discussions and activities.

• The complexity and creativity of the SketchUp design.

• Ability to communicate their design choices during the presentation.

Extension: Encourage students to explore other design tools and software or to research real-world advances in space technology to inform their designs further.