PE_3 Google SketchUp Progress

Using simple rectangle tools, I created a simple house. I found that making a peaked roof was a little harder than I thought it would be. The Push/Pull tool was helpful, though, in getting some basic features on the building, like windows and doors.

 I wish I had more time for this third entry. What I did, though, was discover how to add textures and colors to my model.

Keeping track of things while using the free draw tool was a little trickier. As one who had not actually done anything with a 3-D application, I had the idea about what I was supposed to do, but lack experience in "seeing" where the planes are in the drawing.

 So, I have a rather odd roof on my first project. I was able to add blinds to the windows and a wooden texture to the doors, but I didn't have time to play with adding details, like door knobs and such.

It was cool, though, to find the metal textures, and those for asphalt and building coverings. There are also textures for vegetation, which I would like to try as I explore how the tools work.


I think that if a person such as myself with no drafting experience can, in a few hours, begin to create simple buildings, my students (especially the ones who like art) should be able to do even more. Many of them will be really excited about Google SketchUp and will put time in on their own to perfect their skills with this 3-D application.  I can see replicating an old western town, scenes from ancient Greece, historically significant locations and buildings (how about the Appomattox Court House?), and other sites. How about even creating a fantasy location? I wonder if these skills could help later in creating some sort of interactive game for use in one of my history classes?

I wish I had more time to explore Google SketchUp before sharing more about it. You can be sure I am going to figure out more about how to navigate this software, and brainstorm other ways I can use it in the classroom.