Technical Drawing with SketchUpThe vast majority of technical drawings these days are not done by hand, but rather are done by CAD software (Computer Assisted Drawing). One CAD program that is free and relatively easy to use is Trimble SketchUp. Knowing how to do technical drawing by hand is important in order to be able to understand how to draw using a computer, just like how you have to know your multiplication tables before you can understand how to use a calculator well.

Instructions PageInstalling SketchUp on your home computer SketchUp should already be installed on your St. Georges laptop, so skip to the First Time section below. You can install SketchUp on other computers too for free by following the instructions below. Go to http://www.sketchup.com/download Select I plan to use SketchUp for:Educational Use Select SketchUp Make, and select Mac or PCFirst Time: Click on Choose Template, and select Simple Template Meters. Then click on Start Using SketchUp The first thing you should do is get a more useful toolbar. Click on the View menu, then Tool Palletes, then check the Large Toolset. Select the pink eraser and delete the guy.Saving your Drawing Under the File Menu, select Save, and choose which directory you want to save the file in. Save it in your Science folder in My Documents. To hand in your assignment, attach the file as your normally would in an e-mail. It will have a .skp extension on the end of the filename.Saving your Drawing as an Image If you want to use your drawing as an image (say, for your science fair poster board) you need to export it. Under the File Menu, select Export, and choose 2D Graphic. Choose which directory you want to save the file in. Save it in your Science folder in My Documents. This will convert the file to an image in .png format, which can be used by most word processors and graphics programs.

Tutorials:http://www.sketchup.com/learn/videos?playlist=58

Assignment PageTask 1: Basic House First watch the tutorial Get Started with SketchUp 1. While watching the tutorial, build the house shown. http://www.sketchup.com/learn/videos?playlist=58 Dimension the house using the dimension tool Your house must contain at least: a sloped roof, a chimney, a door, a window, and a step. Always save all your drawings including

Task 2: BlockNext, use SketchUp to create a 3D version of the orange object to the right.

Task 3: Deluxe House Watch the tutorial Get Started with SketchUp 2. While watching the tutorial, build the house shown. http://www.sketchup.com/learn/videos?playlist=58 Your house must contain all the same items as the previous house, plus you must use offsets to add a doorframe, windowframe, and trim around the roof or ground. Be sure to save all your drawings!

Task 4: RampUse SketchUp to create a 3D version of the blue object to the right.

Task 5: Inside HouseWatch the tutorial Get Started with SketchUp 3. While watching the tutorial, build the interior of the house shown. http://www.sketchup.com/learn/videos?playlist=58

Task 6: Lego ObjectNext, use SketchUp to create a 3D version of a Lego object. If you are comfortable with SketchUp, go with an object that is more complex for a higher grade.

Task 7: TableWatch the tutorial Get Started with SketchUp 4. While watching the tutorial, build a table, as described in the video. One example is shown below. http://www.sketchup.com/learn/videos?playlist=58

Task 8: Any real detailed objectNext, use SketchUp to create a 3D version of any real object.