Stegosaurus Safari Lesson Plan
Blender Stegosaurus Safari
Teacher Lesson Plan
Time
15 min
Objective
Students will learn the basic steps of creating a low-poly Stegosaurus model in Blender, focusing on adding and manipulating simple shapes to form a recognizable dinosaur.
Audience
3rd Grade students with little to no previous experience in 3D modeling or Blender.
Why This Lesson?
"This lesson introduces students to the exciting world of 3D modeling, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy in a fun and engaging way. It's an accessible introduction to complex software."
Teacher Preparation
- • Review the Blender Stegosaurus Safari Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- • Ensure Blender is installed and accessible on classroom computers/projector.
- • (Optional) Practice the steps once beforehand to anticipate student questions.
Materials Needed
- Blender Stegosaurus Safari Slide Deck
- Blender Software
Teaching Approach
Guided instruction using a slide deck to demonstrate each step.
Lesson Instructions
1
Introduction: What's a Stegosaurus?
2 minutes
Begin by asking students what they know about Stegosaurus. Use Slide 1 and Slide 2 to introduce the topic and the goal of the lesson. Explain that they'll be learning how to create a simple, blocky (low-poly) version of this dinosaur in a program called Blender.
2
Blender Basics & Cube Creation
3 minutes
Show students Slide 3 to briefly introduce Blender. Guide students through opening Blender (if they are following along) or demonstrate on the projector. Follow the instructions on Slide 4 to add a cube. Explain that this cube will be the body.
3
Shaping the Body
4 minutes
Using Slide 5, demonstrate how to stretch and scale the cube to resemble a Stegosaurus body. Emphasize the simplicity of "low-poly" and how they don't need perfect detail.
4
Adding Spikes
4 minutes
Guide students through Slide 6 and Slide 7 to add smaller cubes (or cones, if they are comfortable) for the spikes. Show them how to position and duplicate the spikes along the back.
5
Wrap-Up & Share
2 minutes
Conclude with Slide 8 to review what they've learned. Encourage students to share their creations or describe what they would add next if they had more time.
Teaching Notes & Observations
Stegosaurus Safari Slides
3D Modeling Safari
BLENDER
STEGOSAURUS
Roar-some Digital Creations!
Note: Welcome students and ask them what they know about Stegosaurus. Get them excited about dinosaurs!
Meet the Stegosaurus!
A plant-eating dinosaur with awesome plates and a spiky tail!
We'll make a low-poly version.
That means using simple, blocky shapes!
Digital LEGOs!
Note: Explain that 'low-poly' means simple shapes, like blocks!
What is Blender?
Digital Sculpting Studio
Blender is a super cool program where artists make 3D models.
Limitless Creativity
We can create characters, scenes, and even our own dinosaurs!
Note: Ask if anyone has heard of it or seen 3D models before (like in games or movies).
Step One
The Big Body Block
- 1 Open Blender!
- 2 Look for the starting cube.
- 3 Or: Add > Mesh > Cube
This cube will be the belly of our Stegosaurus!
Note: Explain that this will be the main body of our Stegosaurus.
SCALE X
Step Two
Stretch Your Dino!
Use the Scale Tool
Drag the green arrow to make it long like a body.
"Dinosaurs come in all shapes and sizes! Make yours as long or as chunky as you like."
Note: Show shortcut 'S' or the scale widget.
Step Three
Add Spiky Plates!
Add > Mesh > Cube
Make it thinner and taller using the Scale Tool.
Use the Move Tool to place it on the back.
Place the first plate!
Note: Show how to add a new cube and move it into position.
Step Four
More Plates, More Power!
Duplicate
Shift + D
Move
Shortcut: G
Repeat
Cover the back!
You can make them different sizes!
Note: Explain that they can make them different sizes or angles to make their Stegosaurus unique.
You Did It! Roar!
You created a low-poly Stegosaurus!
Recap
- Started with a cube
- Stretched into a body
- Added plates to its back
What's Next?
Stego-Scanner Shortcut Card
Stego-Scanner Card
Blender 3D Modeling Quick-Reference
Paleontologist Name:
Safari Date:
Movement Tools
G
GRAB (Move)
Move your shape around!
S
SCALE (Size)
Make it bigger or smaller!
R
ROTATE (Spin)
Twist it in any direction!
Build Commands
Add > Mesh > Cube
Spawn a new building block.
Shift + D
Duplicate (Make a copy!)
Delete or X
Remove a block you don't need.
Safari Checklist
Created the Body Cube
Stretched the Body (Scale)
Added the First Plate
Duplicated the Plates
Beyond the Safari: What's Next?
If you had 5 more minutes, what would you add to your Stegosaurus? (Draw or write below)
