cad

= Computer-Aided Design (CAD) =

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3DTin
We all know of Trimble ** SketchUp ** (formally once known as Google SketchUp), but there are other sites that you may not have heard off that allows you to create 3D models like SketchUp. Some are easier to use than others, & they may not be able to do everything that SketchUp can do, but if you look through the galleries of these sites, there are some really good examples.

3DTin is a free online website that provides templates that you can use to develop models or built a model from scratch. This site may not work if you have an old version of Firefox & Internet Explorer, but will work on the latest versions. There is also a ** Chrome Web App ** available too. 6 tutorials are available also.

Autodesk 123D
Is an awesome downloadable suite of tools available for the computer & iPad. This is probably the more advance of the three sites I have listed, & can probably do more like SketchUp. There are 3 free online tools to use -
 * 123D Catch - Generate 3D models from photos
 * 123D Design - Easy 3D modeling
 * 123D Make - Unique 3D models from 2D slices

The 2 iPad apps -
 * 123D Creature - Create & 3D print fantastic character ($7.99)
 * 123D Sculpt - Tactile modeling (free)

If you need help downloading the software for you to try out, like needing a password, then let the Tech Department know.

Build with Chrome
Build with online LEGO bricks using the Chrome browser.

SketchUp
SketchUp is a free software that you can download to create 3D models of anything you like. It is a free engineering & architectural 3D software. Most people get rolling with SketchUp in just a few minutes, with help from the built-in Instructor. There are dozens of video tutorials, an extensive Help Center, & a worldwide user community for additional support. There are lots of premade models available through the 3D Warehouse that speeds up the design process. Create a video walk through after you are done with your model & export it to Google Earth.

Curriculum ideas,
 * Math – explore measurement & geometry concepts, calculate volume & surface area
 * Science – create model of invention, compete for best bridge design, build a visitor center that spans the Grand Canyon, build a cell, design a roller coaster
 * Social Studies – design a walk through of famous historical buildings, build a virtual museum
 * Language Arts – write & record an audio narration to accompany a walk through, design a scene from a book

Check out some examples of SketchUp in education at **SketchUp for K-12 Education**.

//Last Updated - May 2014//