I am a gifted teacher working with a group of fourth and fifth grade gifted students. I would like them to design a 3D model of a restaurant business they are planning. What is the best software or online website to use for such a project? I'd like a program that would offer them the creativity in their restaurant design.

I could really use your help. Google Sketch up is free, but too complicated for me to teach.

What else is out there?

[techietch22]

Google Sketchup with my 8th graders. I found some tutorial videos and believe it or not they caught on faster than I did.

Can you send me the link to the tutorial? How much did you go over in a session?
I am working with gifted fourth grade students.

[techietch22]

I had to download this in order to view them at school since they are from YouTube http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos/new_to_gsu.html

[Mrs.Bo]

Dillian,

Do they need an outside or inside view? I am a believer in Sketchup--I can send you a lesson step by step to make a cabin using only 4 tools. Great way to warm-up to Sketchup. I have also downloaded a trial version of a floorplan software--will try out and report to you.

4th graders like 3 D software and don't mind pushing the limits. I have worked with 4th with Mike's Lego CAD but just for simple designs.

LB

Both an outside and inside view would be great. However, if it complicates things, we can just go with the outside view. I'd like them to be creative in designing a unique model for a restaurant. If we could then work on the interior that would be great...but if not...that's okay too.

I would love the step-by-step lesson

How do I contact you?

[Mrs.Bo]

D--

I will post to my blog or wiki--and get you the address when I am done,

Lisa