Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
icon-background-square
New
New
Year 9

Organic modelling

I can create and modify organic models.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
icon-background-square
New
New
Year 9

Organic modelling

I can create and modify organic models.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
warning

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
View new resources
arrow-right

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Proportional editing can be used to create organically shaped models.
  2. Objects can be subdivided using the knife tool.
  3. Subdivision can be used to add more detail to models.

Keywords

  • Organic modelling - a 3D modelling technique used to create free-flowing shapes usually found in nature

  • Proportional editing - a way of modifying elements such as vertices while having an effect on other nearby elements

  • Subdivide - to split an object into smaller sections by adding more vertices, edges and faces

Common misconception

To create smooth organic surfaces and models, individual geometry such as vertices, edges and faces must be edited individually.

Free-form, organically shaped models can be created by using modelling tools such as proportional editing.


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

Encourage learners to explore and practise using the proportional editing and knife cut tools. This will help them build confidence and skill within Blender.
speech-bubble
Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Blender

copyright

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

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its definition.
Correct Answer:vertex,a point where two or more edges meet
tick

a point where two or more edges meet

Correct Answer:face,a surface made up of three or more sides
tick

a surface made up of three or more sides

Correct Answer:edge,a line connecting two vertices
tick

a line connecting two vertices

Q2.
What does the extrude tool do to a 2D shape?
rotates it
scales it
Correct answer: transforms it into a 3D object
deletes it
Q3.
Order the steps in creating a basic 3D model from a 2D shape.
1 - Draw the 2D shape.
2 - Extrude the shape.
3 - Apply materials.
Q4.
Which tool is used to add additional geometry to a 3D model?
Correct answer: loop cut
extrude
scale
rotate
Q5.
What is the process of nesting objects within other objects called?
tweaking
texturing
Correct answer: parenting
rigging
Q6.
What is the name of a marker that captures important positions in animation?
Correct Answer: Keyframe

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main advantage of using proportional editing in Blender?
It changes the colour of the model.
It allows for precise control over individual vertices.
Correct answer: It modifies elements while affecting nearby elements.
It increases the number of keyframes.
Q2.
What is the purpose of subdividing a model?
Correct answer: to add more vertices, edges and faces
to animate the model
to change the texture
to rotate the model
Q3.
Which tool is commonly used to create organically shaped models in Blender?
loop cut
Correct answer: proportional editing
keyframe
parenting
Q4.
What tool is used to add more detail to a model by cutting through it?
Correct Answer: Knife tool, Knife
Q5.
Match the term to its correct definition.
Correct Answer:organic modelling,a technique for creating free-flowing shapes
tick

a technique for creating free-flowing shapes

Correct Answer:proportional editing,modifying elements with an effect on nearby elements
tick

modifying elements with an effect on nearby elements

Correct Answer:subdivide,splitting an object into smaller sections
tick

splitting an object into smaller sections

Q6.
In what scenario is proportional editing particularly useful?
when creating rigid mechanical models
when animating keyframes
when applying textures
Correct answer: when creating smooth, organic forms

Additional material

Download additional material