Google+Sketchup

=[|Google Sketchup]=

Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create 3D models of anything you like. Engineering and architectural 3D software mini CAD.

Here is Google's description of Sketchup: "Create 3D models and share them with the world. Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create 3D models of anything you like. Most people get rolling with SketchUp in just a few minutes. Dozens of video tutorials, an extensive Help Center and a worldwide user community mean that anyone who wants to make 3D models with SketchUp, can. Redecorate your living room. Design a new piece of furniture. Model your city for Google Earth. Create a skatepark for your hometown, then export an animation and share it on YouTube. There's no limit to what you can create with SketchUp. **Get models online for free.** You can build models from scratch, or you can download what you need. People all over the world share what they've made on the Google 3D Warehouse. It's a huge, searchable repository of models, and it's free."

Here is Google's video introduction to Sketchup: media type="youtube" key="5PLSlHbQ-bc" height="385" width="480"

Here a YouTube video how you can use Sketch with children with Autism media type="youtube" key="k7PIwSnKq7E" height="344" width="425"

Resource Links

 * [|Training Videos for Novice Users]
 * [|Training Videos for Intermediate Users]
 * [|Training Videos for Expert Users]
 * [|Self-Paced Tutorials]
 * [|Sketchup Help Group]
 * [|Pre-made Shetchup Models (General)]
 * [|Pre-made Sketchup Models of Computer Components]
 * [|Newsweek Jan. 16, 2009: Kids with Autism Love Sketchup]
 * [|Sketchup Blog]
 * [|Differences between Basic and Pro Versions]
 * [|Plugins to expand Sketchup's capabilities]
 * [|Put a Sketchup Model in Google Earth]
 * [|Build 3D models of the places that are meaningful to you]  (tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * [|Google 3D Warehouse] (tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * SketchUcation

__Strengths__

 * Basic Version Free for Everyone, Pro Version Free for Teachers, Pro Version 3-yr License only $30 per computer for Networked Student Computers
 * Extensive, High-Quality Training Videos
 * User-friendly in-application "Instructor"
 * Lots of pre-made models available through "3D Warehouse" and elsewhere on the Web - speeds up the design process
 * Easy enough for young children, but powerful enough for professional engineers, architects, and artists
 * Export pictures as png, tif, jpg, or bmp files to import into other documents
 * Record videos called "walk throughs" after finishing models
 * Export "walk throughs" as avi or mov files for use in other videos
 * Opinion: Sketchup is like Lincoln Logs and Legos on steriods!
 *  Generates 3-D models with a small amount of skill Excellent training.
 * Many training videos, from beginners to experts. (tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * Strong SketchUp community with groups, galleries, blog, resources, etc. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Versatile software that can be used in simple 3D forms for beginners to complex models in fields like architecture, engineering, construction, and gaming. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Excellent as a presentation tool. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Can create incredible images <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Compatible with other software and can be used as a plug-in or can export SketchUp models to other software for further manipulation. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Can incorporate models into Google Earth. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Easy software setup. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)

__Weaknesses__

 * Requires [|powerful computer] to run smoothly
 * Takes some time to learn how to use it, see the tutorial under resources for help
 * So many capabilities can be overwhelming
 * Users more or less need a high-speed Internet connection to take advantage of Sketchup and its ancillary materials
 * Free version is limited, if you’re an educator get the full version
 * Can sometimes be temperamental when trying to rotate an object to a specific position
 * SketchUp Pro is costly <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * Student version of Pro has a yearly subscription ($49 as of 6/21/09) <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * Can be intimidating to learn <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * Lengthy training to use complex capabilities. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)

__Opportunities__

 * Number of Sketchup users is growing, increasing the number of training resources and models readily available
 * Google Earth offers competitions from time to time to encourage Sketchup users to make models of famous landmarks
 * Collaborate and communicate with other Sketchup users across the world
 * Excellent tool for teaching measurement skills
 * Plan on doing some remodeling? Try it on SketchUp first
 * Create 3-D models of anything you can think of
 * Google has competitions and other forums for sharing content. Students can share models with other students. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * Students can collaborate with other students from around the world to build model together. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * Images can be created to use dynamic 3D images in presentations.Can you in history to create historical buildings <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * You can buy the Google SketchUp Pro for Professional use for $495. By buying the program you can email technical support, create custom intelligent object/components, generate reports, export 2D vectors, import 2D & 3D, create and print large format, multi-page documents, and create custom edge treatments for style. For more information comparing the two products visit: <span class="wiki_link_ext" style="color: #c0c0c0;">[]

__Threats__

 * Students might upload models to Google Earth that would make it possible for predators to locate them.
 * Students might become obsessed with Sketchup and fail to complete other work!
 * None, although if your students get really good at this program they might drop out of school and make tons of money
 * Galleries and Community could possibly have inappropriate content. <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)

= Ideas for the Classroom = //Language Arts://
 * Write and record (audio) narration to accompany "walk through" video.
 * (Add more ideas here.)

//Math://
 * It would be really cool for students to make simple models of buildings and submit them to Google Earth.
 * Excellent tool for students to explore measurement and geometry concepts.
 * Students can create 3-D objects and use the measurements to calculate volume and surface area.
 * Have students design houses and use the measurements to find costs for paint, flooring, sod, furniture etcetera, excellent way to combine measurement and life skills.

//Science://
 * Use it to make models of inventions for science/invention fairs.
 * Construction engineering: have students compete for best bridge or building design. Assign construction material costs and fulfill a building objective, e.g. build a visitor center that spans the Grand Canyon (get the canyon image off Google Earth.)
 * Build a cell, brain, flower parts, etc.
 * Design a super roller coaster or amusement park ride.
 * Design an electrical circuit.
 * Design an engine.

//Social Studies://
 * Download and "walk through" models of famous historical buildings
 * Classes can build virtual museums before a field trip to map out their route.
 * Teachers can have students create models of the same building as hit has evolved over time.
 * http://showmedo.com/videotutorials/video?name=sketchupShapiroArtMuseum2&fromSeriesID=42
 * http://www.3dvinci.net/teacherguide/art_history_6-9.pdf

//Visual and Performing Arts://
 * Create models of props and stage sets before building.
 * Just make something that looks cool! 8-)
 * (Add more ideas here.)

//Other//
 * [|Design of a raft]<span class="wiki_link_ext"> <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * [|Use in presentations]<span class="wiki_link_ext"> <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * [|Passive solar design] <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * [|Student product design] <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * [|K-12 Slideshow] <span class="wiki_link_ext">(tim.mc.6.21.09)
 * Teachers, with some skill, can create virtual tours of the school or any place else for that matter.
 * Use sketchUp with children with Autism to let them express their creativity.
 * SketchUp: Why kids with Autism love this software