3D Modelling with Paint 3D - JSS 1 Digital Technologies note

3D Modelling with Paint 3D

Subject: Digital Technologies

Class: JSS 1 (Basic 7)

Term: Second Term

Week: 2

Duration: 80 Minutes (Double Period)

Topic: 3D Modelling with Paint 3D

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Explain the meaning of 3D modelling.
• Identify Paint 3D as a tool for creating digital drawings and models.
• Differentiate between two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) objects.
• Create simple shapes and basic models using Paint 3D.
• Save and export a 3D project.

1. Introduction

Computers can be used to create pictures, designs, and models. Some drawings are flat, while others are designed to look as if they have length, width, and height. These three-dimensional designs are used in education, architecture, product design, animation, games, and other fields.

In this lesson, we will learn about 3D modelling and how Paint 3D can be used to create simple digital shapes and models.

2. Meaning of 3D Modelling

3D modelling is the process of creating a digital representation of an object with three dimensions: length, width, and height.

A 3D model is a computer-created representation of an object. It may look like a real object, such as a cup, chair, house, or ball, or it may be an imaginary design.

Meaning of Paint 3D

Paint 3D is a graphics application developed by Microsoft. It was designed to help users create and edit 2D pictures and 3D objects. Users can draw, colour, resize, rotate, and arrange shapes to produce simple designs.

Note: Paint 3D is the application studied in this lesson. Its availability depends on the Windows computer being used. If it is not installed, the teacher may demonstrate the same concepts using an available 3D drawing application.

3. Difference Between 2D and 3D Objects

Objects can be described as two-dimensional or three-dimensional, depending on the dimensions represented.

Feature	2D Objects	3D Objects
Meaning	Flat shapes with length and width.	Objects with length, width, and height.
Appearance	Flat or plane-like.	Appears to have depth or volume.
Examples	Square, circle, triangle, rectangle.	Cube, sphere, cylinder, cone.
Uses	Posters, flat drawings, diagrams.	Product designs, models, visual demonstrations.

4. Uses of Paint 3D

Paint 3D can be used for the following purposes:

1. Drawing: Creating simple digital pictures and illustrations.
2. Creating 3D objects: Making basic three-dimensional shapes and models.
3. Colouring: Applying colours and different finishes to designs.
4. Editing: Resizing, rotating, and adjusting objects.
5. Learning: Helping students understand shapes, dimensions, and digital design.
6. Creative projects: Producing simple designs for school activities and demonstrations.

5. Basic Tools and Features

The exact arrangement of tools may differ depending on the application version. Common Paint 3D tools and features include:

Tool or Feature	Function
Brushes	Used for freehand drawing and painting.
2D Shapes	Used to create flat shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles.
3D Shapes	Used to create three-dimensional objects such as cubes, spheres, and cylinders.
Stickers	Used to add decorative elements or apply designs to objects.
Text	Used to insert words and labels into a design.
Canvas	The working area where a design is created.
Colour tools	Used to select colours for drawing and objects.
Rotate and resize controls	Used to change an object's orientation or size.
Menu / Save options	Used to save a project and access file options.

6. Steps for Creating Basic Shapes and 3D Models

The following steps demonstrate how to create a simple model. The names or positions of tools may vary slightly between versions.

Step 1: Open Paint 3D

1. Switch on the computer and sign in if necessary.
2. Open the Start menu.
3. Search for Paint 3D and open it if it is installed.
4. Choose a new project or a blank canvas.

Step 2: Select a Shape

1. Locate the 3D Shapes option.
2. Select a basic shape, such as a cube, sphere, or cylinder.
3. Move the pointer to the canvas.
4. Click and drag to create the shape.

Step 3: Change the Size and Position

1. Select the shape you have created.
2. Use the available controls to resize it.
3. Move the object to a suitable position on the canvas.
4. Rotate the object if the selected tool provides rotation controls.

Step 4: Apply Colour

1. Select the object.
2. Choose a suitable colour or finish.
3. Apply the colour using the available controls.
4. Repeat the process for other objects in your design.

Step 5: Add More Objects

Repeat the process to add more shapes. For example, you can combine a cube, a cylinder, and other simple shapes to create a model of a house or another familiar object.

Step 6: Review the Design

Check that the objects are properly positioned, appropriately sized, and easy to recognise. Make any necessary adjustments before saving.

Important: Save your work regularly. Do not close the application before saving changes you want to keep.

7. Saving and Exporting 3D Projects

Meaning of Saving

Saving means storing a project in a file so that it can be opened and edited later.

Meaning of Exporting

Exporting means producing a file in a selected format for use outside the original working project. The available export formats depend on the application version and its features.

How to Save a Project

1. Open the application's Menu or file options.
2. Select Save or Save as, depending on the available options.
3. Choose a folder where you can easily find the file, such as Documents.
4. Enter a meaningful file name, for example, My_First_3D_Model.
5. Choose the available project format if prompted.
6. Click Save and wait for the operation to finish.

How to Export a Project

1. Open the saved project.
2. Look for the application's export or file-format options.
3. Select an available format suitable for the intended use.
4. Choose the destination folder and file name if prompted.
5. Confirm the export and check that the file has been created.

Remember: A native project file is useful when you want to continue editing a design. An exported image or 3D file may be more suitable for sharing or using the design in another application. The correct format depends on your purpose and the options available.

8. Good Practices When Creating 3D Models

• Plan what you want to create before beginning.
• Start with simple shapes before attempting complicated models.
• Use colours that make the model easy to understand.
• Arrange objects carefully to produce a clear design.
• Give files meaningful names.
• Save work regularly and keep it in an organised folder.
• Use school computers and software responsibly.
• Do not delete or overwrite another person's project without permission.

9. Practical Class Activity

Activity: Create a Simple 3D Model

Materials: Computer with Paint 3D installed, mouse, and keyboard.

Instructions:

1. Open Paint 3D.
2. Create a new project.
3. Insert at least two basic 3D shapes.
4. Resize and position the shapes.
5. Apply suitable colours.
6. Save the project as My_First_3D_Model.
7. If an appropriate export option is available, export a copy in a suitable format.

Expected outcome: Each student should produce and save a simple digital 3D model.

10. Summary

3D modelling is the creation of digital objects with length, width, and height. Paint 3D is a graphics application designed for creating and editing 2D pictures and 3D objects. Its tools can be used to draw shapes, create basic models, apply colours, resize objects, and arrange designs. Saving stores a project for future use, while exporting creates a file in a format suitable for sharing or use elsewhere.

11. Evaluation Questions

1. What is 3D modelling?
2. What is Paint 3D?
3. State two differences between 2D and 3D objects.
4. Mention four tools or features of Paint 3D and state their functions.
5. List the main steps involved in creating a simple 3D model.
6. Explain the difference between saving and exporting a project.
7. State three good practices when creating and saving 3D models.

12. Assignment

1. Define 3D modelling in your own words.
2. List five examples of three-dimensional objects found at home or in school.
3. Write the steps for saving a 3D project.
4. Explain two reasons why a student should save a project with a meaningful file name.

13. Interactive Revision Quiz

Choose the correct answer for each question and click Submit Quiz to see your score.

1. What is 3D modelling?

Creating only printed documents Creating digital objects with length, width, and height Typing text without pictures Playing audio files

2. Which of these is an example of a 3D object?

A flat circle A straight line A cube A flat rectangle

3. Which Paint 3D feature can be used to create a three-dimensional object?

3D Shapes Calculator File Explorer Task Manager

4. Why should you save a 3D project?

To delete the design To make the computer switch off To remove all the colours To keep the work for future use

5. What does exporting a project generally mean?

Closing the computer without saving Producing a file in a selected format for use elsewhere Removing every object from the canvas Changing the keyboard

CMPNOTE | Digital Technologies Lesson Notes for Nigerian Secondary Schools