Blender Basics Dino Lesson Plan Blender Basics: Dino!
Lesson Plan • 7th Grade • 15 Minutes
Focus Area
3D Modeling
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn fundamental Blender interface elements and create a basic low-poly Stegosaurus model using simple modeling tools: scaling, extruding, and loop cuts.
WHY THIS MATTERS
"This lesson introduces students to the exciting world of 3D modeling, a valuable skill in many creative and technical fields. It encourages problem-solving and digital creativity."
MATERIALS
Blender (pre-installed)
Computer Lab Access
Projector & Slides
Preparation Checklist
Estimated Time: 10 minutes
Ensure Blender is installed and functioning on all student computers.
Review the Blender Basics: Dino! Slides and practice the modeling steps yourself.
Have the classroom computer lab ready for student login.
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction & Setup
2 MIN
• Greet students and introduce the project: "Blender Basics: Dino!"
• Briefly explain low-poly modeling (Slide 1-2).
• Guide students to open Blender and locate the default cube.
"Today, we're going to create a super cool low-poly Stegosaurus in Blender! Who's ready to bring a dino to life in 3D?"
2
Modeling the Body
5 MIN
• Scale the Cube: Show how to scale the cube along the Y-axis to form the body (Slide 3).
• Extrude for Neck & Tail: Use the Extrude tool (E) to create a neck and a tail from the end faces (Slide 4-5).
3
Adding Legs
4 MIN
• Add Loop Cuts: Add two loop cuts (CTRL + R) along the body to define leg areas (Slide 6).
• Extrude Legs: Select bottom faces and extrude downwards (Slide 7).
4
Spikes on Back
3 MIN
• Select Top Faces: Pick multiple faces along the back (Hold Shift).
• Extrude Spikes: Extrude upwards to create iconic plates (Slide 8).
5
Wrap-up & Share
1 MIN
• Encourage students to view their creations in Object Mode.
• Quick screen share or verbal description of what they made.
Blender Basics Dino Slides 7th Grade Technology
Blender Basics:
Dino!
Let's build a 3D low-poly Stegosaurus!
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Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of creating 3D models. Explain that low-poly means using fewer polygons, which often results in a blocky, stylized look.
What is Low-Poly?
A style using fewer polygons for a blocky, artistic look.
Perfect for beginners and modern stylized designs!
We're using Blender, a powerful and FREE 3D software.
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Low-Poly Example
Teacher Notes: Briefly explain what low-poly modeling is and its appeal (simplicity, often used in games). Mention that Blender is a powerful free software.
01
The Body: Start with a Cube!
Open Blender.
Locate the Default Cube .
Select cube, press S to Scale.
Drag to make it longer for the dino body.
Pro Tip: Press S then Y to scale only along the Y-axis!
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Initial Shape
Teacher Notes: Guide students to open Blender. Ensure they start with the default cube. Explain how to select the cube and use the 'S' key to scale, then 'X', 'Y', or 'Z' to constrain the axis.
02
Neck & Tail: Extrude!
1
Press TAB to enter Edit Mode.
2
Press 3 for Face Select mode.
3
Select one end face of your cube.
4
Press E to Extrude the neck.
5
Repeat for the tail on the other side!
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Growth Phase
Teacher Notes: Explain 'Edit Mode' (Tab key) and 'Face Select' mode (3 key). Show how to select an end face and use 'E' for Extrude. Emphasize keeping it simple.
Step 03
Refine Your Shapes
The Neck
Extrude the neck one more time to make it a bit longer!
The Tail
Extrude the tail again. Try scaling the face (press S) before extruding to make it thinner at the end!
Teacher Notes: Continue the extrusion process, making sure students understand they are building out the basic shape of the dino.
04
Making Space: Loop Cuts
CTRL + R
1
In Edit Mode, press CTRL + R.
2
Blender Dino Warm-Up Activity Dino Warm-Up
Blender Basics Series
Name:
Date:
Think about your favorite toy or character.
Before we dive into 3D modeling, let's think about how the objects around us are built.
1. Is it 2D (flat like a drawing) or 3D (you can hold it and see all sides)?
2. If it's 3D, what basic shapes can you see in it?
(Think of cubes, spheres, cylinders, or cones!)
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Blender Dino Instructional Script Dino Script
Blender Basics: Instructional Delivery Guide
1. Introduction & Setup
2 MINUTES
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going on an awesome digital adventure. We're going to dive into the world of 3D modeling using a super cool, free program called Blender!"
Ask: "Has anyone ever heard of 3D modeling before? Or seen 3D animations in movies or games?" (Pause for a few responses)
"Well, today, we're going to create something simple but really fun: a low-poly Stegosaurus ! Low-poly just means we're using fewer shapes, which gives it a cool, blocky, stylized look. It's a great way to start learning!"
"First, let's get Blender open. You should see a default cube in the middle of your screen. That little cube is going to be the start of our dinosaur!"
2. Modeling the Body
5 MINUTES
"Alright, let's turn this simple cube into the body of our Stegosaurus. We need to make it longer!"
Select: Make sure the cube has an orange outline.Scale: Press the S key. Drag to make it longer.Axis lock: "You can also press S then Y to scale it specifically along the green line (Y-axis)."
"Now, let's give our dino a neck and a tail! Press TAB to go into Edit Mode . Press 3 for Face Select. Click an end face and press E for Extrude . Pull it out for the neck. Rotate around and repeat for the tail!"
3. Adding Legs
4 MINUTES
"Our dino needs legs! Press CTRL + R for a Loop Cut . Move the yellow line until it goes across the width. Click, slide to position, and click again to confirm. Do this twice for front and back leg zones."
"Now, select the two bottom faces (hold SHIFT for both) and press E to pull the legs down."
4. Spikes on Back
3 MINUTES
"What's a Stegosaurus without plates? Select several faces along the top (hold SHIFT). Press E and pull them straight up for those iconic spikes!"
5. Wrap-up & Share
1 MINUTE
"Wow! Look at what you've all created in just 15 minutes! You've learned how to scale , extrude , and loop cut —those are the building blocks of 3D. Who'd like to show off their Stegosaurus?"
Blender Dino Cool Down Reflection Dino Cool Down
Blender Basics Series
Name:
Date:
Quick Reflection
Great job creating your 3D dinosaur! Take a moment to think back on the process and what you've achieved today.
1. What was one new thing you learned or found interesting about using Blender today?
2. If you had more time, what is one other detail you would add to your Stegosaurus?
(Think about colors, eyes, more spikes, or even a habitat!)
3D Modeling Novice
Status: Level 1 Unlocked
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