Software tools for 3d modeling as a part of design and technology in primary school
Nastja Mihovec · PeFprints (University of Ljubljana) · 2013
There are numerous programs that enable 3D modeling. We can choose from various free programs or the ones that we must pay for. Many designers and engineers use payable programs such as AutoCad, Maya, ProEngineer, Cinema 3D, SolidWorks, etc. In their opinion these programs give their users more than the free ones mainly because of their better modeling quality, tools, functions, easy usage, support, maintenance, etc. Free program developers try very hard to convince these users to reconsider, change their mind and start to use their products. Companies try to upgrade and improve programs so that they will be user-friendlier. Programs that enable export of 3D print format are more than welcome, because that allows the user to actually print his or hers 3D model, see it for real and even touch it. For our diploma paper we chose some of the free programs for 3D modeling, described them shortly and introduced a free program for 3D modeling Blender. This program was chosen based on previously selected criteria and after a comparison with some other free programs for 3D modeling. Later on we demonstrated the use of Blender (basic functions and tools on basic objects), gave an extra explanation of the use of Blender supported by examples, studied video and online literature for its use and made new sketches that can be used for making real products at school for school subject Design and Technology. At the end of our project some of them were printed. We integrated Blender into primary school educational process (from 6th to 8th grade) and based on chosen and written criteria integrated our products into the educational process as well. After finishing 3D printing of prototype products we have critically discussed the process of printing and our findings that could contribute to an easier and simpler modeling in the program Blender.