Graphical modelling ideas II
QCA Unit 5A (Graphical Modelling). “In this unit pupils learn to use an object-based graphics package to produce images and visual models. They learn the key differences between an object-based program and a paint package and understand that visual models can be used to identify patterns and relationships. Pupils will be able to apply what they have learnt in this unit when making maps in geography and drawing diagrams in science*”.
The ngfl/Northumberland site has a superb introduction to room design and layout.
It raises a simple question: which method is the most effective, when deciding on a new layout of a room: pen and paper, computer, or drag the furniture around until you’re happy. (The answer is debatable, eh?) Then we get to see how powerful a digital design can be.
One enchanting aspect is the chance to add pupils to a classroom plan.
There are quite a few ways of tackling the challenge of helping children explore the world of graphical modelling. Learning to manipulate graphics is an important part of the Graphical Modelling strand of the National Curriculum for ICT.
Project Draw lets you create simple drawings with an easy to use interface that requires just a browser. No install required. You can also design circuits, and diagrams*.
It stays in plan view, however and doesn’t give students the chance to see their creation in “3-D”.
Homestyler.com is an outstanding extension to the whole process.
It is a great FREE tool, powerful in helping pupils to understand how ICT can be used to explore certain aspects of design even if they lack technical drawing skills.
A simple design package to model or simulate real life settings, like planning rooms in a house, and is easy to understand and master.
As children plan the layout of the room, they choose furniture from a collection of graphics and when they arrange the furniture in the room they can select, drag and drop, move, rotate, copy all the different elements… and then see their room in 3-D! ——->
Category: 2) Useful n Interesting
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
As well as our events, we like to share interesting, and more often than not, FREE tools, resources and ideas, some old, some new, and we hope you might find something useful. We'd love your thoughts. Tim & Sarah
These resources are excellent for key stage 3 ICT, design technolog and so on. I think there is mileage in health and saftey too for key stage 5 and even 4 (if schools are doing trad gcse courses where there is theory)
thanks for sharing, would have also been usful for learning space design under BSf.
Thanks for these thoughts Dan. Have you got any other resources or links you might suggest?
)
(Top marks for speedy comment btw
Some great resources for a topic which can be very dull. Google Sketchup also great, and free. http://sketchup.google.com. Can be used to design houses / rooms and can link with Google Earth. My Year 5 class built Greek temples and placed them on the Acropolis in Athens!
Using Homestyler with Year 5/6s – they have picked it up fast and love it. It does not appear to have any TOS age limit which is really good. Would highly recommend. Teacher seeing it is well impressed and will use it back at school
Good day I was fortunate to discover your subject in yahoo
your subject is impressive
I obtain much in your Topics really thanks very much
btw the theme of you blog is really splendid
where can find it