Google SketchUp

The "Big Idea" of Google Sketch Up is this program gives users the ability to draw shapes and pull them into 3-dimensional objects. Users can orbit around the 3-D objects, zoom into the model and away from the model, and pan (move side to side without orbiting). It is even possible to type in a value and Google Sketch Up will snap to the exact measurement in either Imperial or Metric.

In fourth grade enrichment, we teach a unit on perspective. Using Google Sketch Up would allow teachers an opportunity to show how perspectives change as you zoom, pan, and orbit around an object. Google Sketch Up could also be used to create similar and/or congruent shapes. Another application for Google Sketch Up would be to tie Google Sketch Up into an art unit on drafting. Google Sketch Up has multiple applications in the classroom.