The 3D design environment provides an exciting context for students to communicate, respond to texts and express themselves in different ways. Looking for a simple 3D design lesson idea to try with your class? Here are ten of our favourite literacy and language-based lesson ideas.
1. Character Design
Before students begin writing a narrative, challenge them to design a new character in Makers Empire 3D Design software. They can then use their design as the basis for writing a great story. The design process helps them get to know their character and collect some great information to bring their story to life.
2. Choose your own Adventure
Stop before the end of a story you are reading to students. Challenge them to use Makers Empire 3D design software to show what they think will happen next.
3. Direct Me
Use the design environment for students to practice their oral language skills of giving and following directions. One student gives an instruction which the other student needs to add to the design. The students then swap roles. They have to rely on verbal information and are not allowed to look at the design the other person is creating.
4. Settings
Ask students to consider various settings from books and stories they have read. How does the author describe places and environments so that the reader can imagine they are there? Use Makers Empire 3D design software to create the settings the author describes.
5. Plot twists
Ask students to identify problems in stories and texts and to create solutions to the problems in 3D. Fairy tales work really well for this. How will you stop the 3 little pigs’ houses from being blown down or baby bear’s chair being broken? 6. Describe me Ask students to write a description of a character. Swap character descriptions and ask another student to create a 3D design of the character based on the description.
7. Poetic response
After reading poetry out loud to students, have them create a 3D design that demonstrates and responds to the feelings and thoughts evoked by the poem.
8. Blocker Writing
Have students create words and letters using blocks or 3D word pictures that illustrate the meaning of a word.
9. Who am I?
Challenge students to design animals, creatures or objects and guess what each other have made by formulating and responding to yes and no questions.
10. Lift the Flap
Have students predict what might be ‘under the flap’ or on the next page of a picture book. They create their predictions in Makers Empire 3D design software before the answer is revealed. Makers Empire’s Lesson Ideas are free, quick and easy ideas to get you started with 3D design and printing.
We hope you enjoyed this post.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Mandi Dimitriadis, DipT. is an experienced classroom teacher who recognizes the power of technology to enhance teaching and improve educational outcomes. Mandi has extensive experience with curriculum development and learning, having previously developed programs for the Australian Government’s Department of Education. She is passionate about Design Thinking and how best to prepare today’s students for the future.
