Google SketchUp By: Tynan Green

What is Google SketchUp? A free 3D modeling program made available through Google. Originally designed for architects, now can be used by anyone to “explore complex design ideas in 3D” (Google SketchUp). Allows anyone to create 3D models that can be included in Google Earth tours and the 3D Warehouse. Google Earth can be used as a building site for SketchUp models. “The Google 3D Warehouse is a huge, online repository of 3D models which you can search through when you need something” (Google SketchUp). “SketchUp is the finest (and most innovative) tool available for anyone designing anything from coffee pots to skyscrapers.” -McCall & Associates

Uses in Education: Allows students and teachers to explore concepts and ideas using 3D models. Allows students and teachers to create 3D models that can be included in Google Earth tours and the 3D Warehouse. “Educators can teach perspective drawing and a variety of science and mathematics concepts with it” (Siegle, 2007). SketchUp can be applied to geometry, geography, history, social studies, science, etc. SketchUp can be used for any subject to provide a 3D visualization or model to better explain ideas, concepts, stories, etc. Provides visualization of geometry and other mathematical concepts. Provides models of structures to learn about architecture.

Lesson Plan Ideas: Build a 3D model of your community. Use SketchUp to visualize geometry concepts. (volume, area, length, width, height). When studying civics, create a 3D model of the White House. “Have students build a model of their houses, and geo-locate them in Google Earth” (Google SketchUp). When studying architecture, create a 3D model of a famous structure. Create a 3D model to visualize a concept in physics/chemistry.

SketchUp video tutorial: This video demonstrates the basics with SketchUp to get you started and on your way to creating 3D models of your own

SketchUp in the Classroom: This video demonstrates how SketchUp can be used and incorporated into the classroom.

Rational: Technology Standards for Students Google SketchUp can be used to satisfy the National Education Technology Standards for Students. For Example: Standard 1 states, “Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.” Substrand c underneath standard 1 states, “students use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues” (NETS, 2007). Google SketchUp will allow students to be creative and innovative in constructing 3D models that better explain ideas and concepts.

Rational: Technology Standards for Teachers Google SketchUp can be used to satisfy the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers. For example: Standard 1 states, “Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.” Substrand b underneath standard 1 states, “engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources” (NETS, 2008). Google SketchUp will allow teachers to provide technology in the classroom that can be used to model real-world situations and issues.

References: “Getting Started with Google SketchUp.” YouTube Website. Retrieved October 29, 2010, from “Google SketchUp for Educators.” Google SketchUp Website. Google. Retrieved October 29, 2010, from National Educational Technology Standards (2010). International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved October 28, 2010, from Siegle, Del, Ph.D. (2007). Moving Beyond a Google Search: Google Earth, SketchUp, Spreadsheet, and More. Education Resources Information Center, 30(1), Retrieved October 28, 2010, from ERIC database (EJ750568). “SketchUp in the Classroom.” YouTube Website. Retrieved October 28, 2010, from