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      Introduction to 3D modelling

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can recognise that you can work in three dimensions on a computer.

      Key learning points

      1. Computers can be used to model real-life 3D items.
      2. 3D models can help the design process and enable people to view parts of objects in detail.

      Keywords

      • 2D - two dimensional - 2D shapes are flat and have no depth

      • 3D - three dimensional - 3D shapes have height, width, and depth

      • Perspective - the position from which you see an object

      Common misconception

      Computers are only used to make imaginary models that can’t be created in real life.

      Architects who design real buildings use 3D modelling software to ensure their designs are accurate.

      Teacher tip

      You will also need to be familiar with creating, selecting, and moving 3D objects within Tinkercad, including how to view them from different perspectives. Tinkercad�s Start Learning 3D tutorials provide a good starting point: oak.link/tinkercad-tutorial.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need access to a device with 3D design software. Examples in this lesson use Tinkercad https://oak.link/tinkercad

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is a 2D shape?

      cube
      sphere
      Correct answer: square
      cylinder

      Q2.
      Which of these is a 3D shape?

      Correct answer: pyramid
      rectangle
      circle
      triangle

      Q3.
      What do 3D shapes have that 2D shapes do not?

      sides
      angles
      Correct answer: thickness or depth

      Q4.
      Name a 3D shape that has six faces, all the same size.

      Correct Answer: cube

      Q5.
      Match each shape with the correct description:

      Correct Answer:square,a flat shape with four equal sides

      a flat shape with four equal sides

      Correct Answer:sphere,a solid shape that is round all over

      a solid shape that is round all over

      Correct Answer:rectangle,a flat shape with two long and two short sides

      a flat shape with two long and two short sides

      Correct Answer:cube,a solid shape with six equal faces

      a solid shape with six equal faces

      Q6.
      If you look at a box from above, what kind of shape do you see?

      Correct answer: a 2D shape
      a 3D shape
      no shape
      only lines

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is a reason to use a computer to create a 3D model?

      to draw only flat shapes
      to make objects invisible
      to print text documents
      Correct answer: to view and design objects in detail before building them

      Q2.
      What does '3D' mean?

      three directions: up, down, sideways
      Correct answer: three dimensions: height, width, depth
      three designs on a page
      three drawings

      Q3.
      What is the term for the angle or position from which you look at a 3D object?

      Correct Answer: perspective

      Q4.
      Put these steps in order for creating a simple 3D model:

      1 - Add a 3D shape to your project.
      2 - Move the shape to the right place.
      3 - View the shape from different perspectives.
      4 - Make changes to improve your model.

      Q5.
      Select the statements about computer modelling which are correct.

      Correct answer: Architects use 3D modelling software to design real buildings.
      Correct answer: 3D models on computers can help people see designs before building them.
      Computers are used only to create things that cannot exist in real life.
      Correct answer: Designers use computer models to improve their work before making it.

      Q6.
      Match each keyword to its description:

      Correct Answer:2D,a flat shape with no depth

      a flat shape with no depth

      Correct Answer:3D,a solid shape with height, width and depth

      a solid shape with height, width and depth

      Correct Answer:perspective,seeing an object from a certain position or viewpoint

      seeing an object from a certain position or viewpoint

      Correct Answer:model,a digital or physical copy of something

      a digital or physical copy of something


      To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: Introduction to 3D modelling, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...