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Move, rotate, scale, colour

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can create and modify 3D models.

Key learning points

  1. Primitive shapes can be used to create 3D models.
  2. 3D objects can be modified using software tools.
  3. Materials can be added to objects to change their appearance.

Keywords

  • Model - a physical or digital representation of a real object

  • Rotate - to move an object around an axis or centre

  • Scale - to reduce or enlarge the size of an object

Common misconception

Detailed and complex 3D models are always created from scratch and therefore take a long time to create.

3D models usually start off by using, adding and modifying simple 3D shapes. Further detail and complexities are then added to increase the realism of the model.

Teacher tip

Encourage learners to play around with 3D objects and get used to the process of navigating Blender.

Equipment

Pupils will need access to a device that can create and edit 3D animations. Examples in this lesson use the Blender https://oak.link/blender

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 the following is a 3D shape?

square
circle
trapezium
parallelogram
Correct answer: cuboid

Q2.
Which of the following is a one-dimensional object?

triangle
Correct answer: line
prism
cube

Q3.
Which tool would you use to resize an object?

Correct answer: scale
move
rotate

Q4.
Which of the following is a 2D shape?

axis
Correct answer: triangle
cube
torus

Q5.
Objects can be __________ to create exact copies.

Correct answer: duplicated
animated
grouped
deleted

Q6.
Shapes can be __________ together to combine them into a new object.

moved
duplicated
Correct answer: grouped

6 Questions

Q1.
A is a point in 3D space.

Correct Answer: vertex

Q2.
What is formed when two vertices are connected together.

Correct answer: edge
face
polygon

Q3.
To orbit around an object in Blender you would ...

left click mouse + shift.
scroll middle mouse wheel.
Correct answer: click middle mouse button and move the mouse.

Q4.
What are the three axes called in a 3D coordinate system where all 3D objects exist?

1, 2, 3
A, B, C
Correct answer: X, Y, Z
W, A, S, D

Q5.
Which viewport setting would show the material colour of a 3D model?

wireframe view
solid view
Correct answer: rendered view

Q6.
The surface of curved 3D objects can be made more realistic by selecting what from the menu?

shade flat
set origin
Correct answer: shade smooth

To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Move, rotate, scale, colour, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...