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Year 9

Complex models and colours

I can create and detail complex 3D models.

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New
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Year 9

Complex models and colours

I can create and detail complex 3D models.

Download all resources
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Share activities with pupils
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These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. 2D shapes can be extruded to create a 3D object.
  2. 3D models are composed of faces, edges and vertices.
  3. Additional geometry can be added to a model using the loop cut tool.
  4. Materials can be applied to individual or groups of faces.

Keywords

  • Extrude - to transform a 2D shape into a 3D object by extending it along a path or direction

  • Face - a surface made up of three or more edges

  • Edge - a line connecting two vertices

  • Vertex - a point where two or more edges or lines meet

Common misconception

3D models are all made up of simple shapes that are scaled, moved and rotated.

Having only previously used object mode, learners may be unaware that geometry such as vertices, edges and faces can all be directly modified in edit mode. Working in edit mode gives a modeller greater freedom to create more complex models.


To help you plan your year 9 computing lesson on: Complex models and colours, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage learners to explore Blender and get used to the toolsets and workspace. Learners will need to be comfortable working between object mode and edit mode, so get them to practise switching between the two modes.
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equipment-required

Equipment

Blender software

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What word describes moving an object around an axis?
Correct Answer: rotate, rotating
Q2.
What does the timeline help with in animation?
Correct answer: sequencing frames
scaling objects
rotating objects
adding materials
Q3.
What is the purpose of a keyframe in animation?
to add colour
to scale objects
Correct answer: to capture important positions
to rotate objects
Q4.
What feature of 3D animation fills in the gaps between keyframes automatically?
Correct Answer: tweening, tween
Q5.
What is the function of the 'parenting' process in 3D modelling?
Correct answer: combining objects
scaling objects
rotating objects
adding textures
Q6.
What is the purpose of adding materials to a 3D object?
to scale it
to rotate it
to animate it
Correct answer: to change its appearance

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What has three or more sides?
Correct Answer: face, a face
Q2.
What is the point where edges meet called?
Correct Answer: vertex, the vertex
Q3.
What is the function of the 'extrude' tool in 3D modelling?
to add colour
Correct answer: to create a 3D object from a 2D shape
to scale objects
to rotate objects
Q4.
Order the steps to extrude a shape:
1 - enter edit mode
2 - select the shape
3 - apply the extrude tool
Q5.
Which tool allows you to add additional geometry to a shape?
Correct Answer: loop cut
Q6.
Which of these statements is incorrect regarding 3D models?
3D models can be modified using software tools.
3D models can include materials to change their appearance.
Correct answer: 3D models can only be made up of simple shapes.
3D models can be made up of complex shapes.