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      Planning a 3D model

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a plan for my own 3D model.

      Key learning points

      1. Computer-based 3D design is used in architecture to plan buildings.
      2. 3D models of buildings are created by combining 3D shapes.
      3. In 3D models, designs can be viewed from different perspectives.
      4. In 3D models, objects can be easily combined, moved and resized.

      Keywords

      • 3D shapes - shapes with three dimensions: height, width and depth

      • Combine - joining or merging two or more things together

      Common misconception

      All the shapes of a model can be seen from one perspective.

      Some shapes may be not able to be seen from one perspective, they may be hiding behind other shapes.

      Teacher tip

      You will need to be familiar with grouping and ungrouping objects in Tinkercad.

      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.
      What do we call a 3D shape that has six rectangular or square faces and is often used to build boxes or dice?

      Correct Answer: cube, cuboid

      Q2.
      Match each example to the correct keyword:

      Correct Answer:a can,cylinder

      cylinder

      Correct Answer:a see-through tube,a hollow shape

      a hollow shape

      Correct Answer:a shape used to cut a hole,placeholder

      placeholder

      Correct Answer:height, width or length,dimensions

      dimensions

      Q3.
      What do dimensions help you do in design software?

      change the colour of a shape
      add sound to your model
      Correct answer: accurately resize and move shapes
      make objects spin

      Q4.
      Put these steps in order for making a hole in a 3D object:

      1 - Place the placeholder inside the object.
      2 - Make sure both are flat on the workplane.
      3 - Group or combine the placeholder and the object.
      4 - Check the result.

      Q5.
      What is the main reason to use a placeholder in your 3D model?

      to make the model colourful
      to add sound
      to make the object spin
      Correct answer: to create a hole or mark a space

      Q6.
      What shape would you use to model something like a can or a tube?

      cube
      sphere
      pyramid
      Correct answer: cylinder

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What do we call shapes that have height, width and depth?

      Correct Answer: 3D shapes, 3D, three-dimensional

      Q2.
      Why is it important to look at a 3D model from different perspectives?

      Correct answer: to see all the shapes, including those hidden behind others
      to make the model colourful
      to make it spin
      to delete shapes

      Q3.
      What does ‘explode’ mean in 3D modelling?

      to make a shape bigger
      to colour a shape
      Correct answer: to separate combined objects into individual parts
      to hide a shape

      Q4.
      Match the example to the correct word:

      Correct Answer:perspective,looking at a model from the side

      looking at a model from the side

      Correct Answer:combine,joining or merging two or more things together

      joining or merging two or more things together

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

      a shape with height, width and depth

      Correct Answer:explode,separating joined shapes

      separating joined shapes

      Q5.
      Which statement about viewing a 3D model is wrong?

      Some shapes may be hidden behind others.
      You may need to look from different angles to see all shapes.
      Correct answer: All the shapes of a model can be seen from one perspective.
      Not all shapes are visible from every view.

      Q6.
      Put these steps in order for making a 3D model:

      1 - Analyse an example 3D model.
      2 - Choose the objects you will use.
      3 - Combine the objects to make your model.
      4 - View your model from different perspectives.

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