Google+SketchUp

We used the Google SketchUp program to create two projects. Google SketchUp is free for anyone to use and can be downloaded online through Google. This is a very intuitive program which allows you to design a 3D Model of anything you desire. The options are endless. You may build models from scratch or download what you need from the Google #D Warehouse where millions of people around the world share what they have done. If you need help there are dozens of video tutorials, an extensive Help Center, and a worldwide user community meaning anyone may make 3D models with SketchUp.

The first was a project of designing a house and meant for grades 1-5. The second project was intended for grades 6-9 and included designing a building with many windows. Both projects introduced us to various tools and techniques to use when working with Google SketchUp. I enjoy using this program, although sometimes it does not want to cooperate with what you are trying to have it do. I think children would really enjoy designing different things using this program because there are so many options and it can be very fun!





I also used Google SketchUp to create one of my projects, a 3D model of the famous cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants. This task was easier said than done. Spongebob was very difficult to create with this program because of his inconsistant curvy lines. I had to freehand a lot of the model which took much more time than using shapes that are easier to draw with the tools. I struggled with the symmetrical aspect of his shoes and ended up drawing both shoes facing to the left. In addition, the program does not allow you to push/pull on a non-flat surface, so when I was trying to create his arms later on, I could only draw them on the white part of his shirt and not the curvy sponge. Overall I would say that my Spongebob is a pretty accurate model of the cartoon. I was very surprised at all of the different options of color for this program, my Spongebob's colors are actually close to the real ones! I used measurements to ensure things were the same length and made him look the best I could.