Unit Four
This unit introduces students to Blender, the industry-standard 3D software they will use throughout the pathway. Students learn the interface, basic navigation, and essential tools for creating 3D objects. By the end, they will model and render a low-poly version of the prop they designed in Unit 3.
Topics Covered
- Blender interface and workspace basics
- Viewport navigation and hotkeys
- Mesh editing: extrude, scale, rotate, move
- Topology and UV unwrapping basics
- Intro to texturing and simple material setup
- Rendering simple turntables of models
Assignments
Learning Report
Objectives
- Navigate Blender’s workspace and tools with confidence
- Apply mesh editing tools to create simple 3D geometry
- Demonstrate understanding of clean topology and UVs
- Apply basic textures and materials to a 3D model
- Render and present a prop in the portfolio
Materials
- Classroom computers with Blender installed
- Drawing/prop design sheet from Unit 3
- Notebook or digital journal for notes and sketches
Assessment
Students demonstrate mastery by producing a low-poly model of their original prop, with clean topology, UVs, and a basic textured render uploaded to their portfolio.
Activities
Students practice navigation and tool use through short guided exercises. They block out their prop in simple geometry, refine it with clean topology, unwrap UVs, and apply textures. They then render a turntable or screenshot for their portfolio.
Education Standards
The following standards are drawn from the 2024 AME Industry Skills Framework:
- 1.4 — Apply principles of art, design, and composition to creative works
- 4.3 — Use job-specific hardware/software for workflows and content delivery
- 4.5 — Apply rendering and exporting techniques to meet standards
- 10.3 — Visualize ideas through sketching, iteration, and modeling
- 17.5 — Model digital props and create orthographic/turntable views