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Year 7

Interpret orthographic projections

I can interpret an orthographic projection and sketch the shape 3D.

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New
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Year 7

Interpret orthographic projections

I can interpret an orthographic projection and sketch the shape 3D.

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. Orthographic projections are used to share the details and dimensions of a design.
  2. Orthographic projections are used to accurately represent 3D designs in 2D.
  3. Orthographic projections are drawn to scale and show the true dimensions of designs.
  4. Orthographic projections use standard conventions, making them universal/international.

Keywords

  • Orthographic - represents a 3D object in 2D, where views are projected from the object's surface

  • Isometric - a 3D representation of an object where sides are drawn at 30 degrees

  • Dimension - measurements on a drawing to show the exact size of parts

  • Centre line - a dashed line that marks the middle of a hole or a symmetrical part of an object

Common misconception

Orthographic views are are separate drawings and do not connect.

Explain that each view (top, front, and side) represents a different perspective of the same object.


To help you plan your year 7 design and technology lesson on: Interpret orthographic projections, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use simple building blocks with the view names written on each face to learn the beginning steps. Use squared paper and shapes with straight lines to teach students the fundamentals.
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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).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A point is a point where all lines in a one-point perspective drawing meet.
Correct Answer: vanishing, Vanishing, vanish
Q2.
One point perspective is a way of drawing in 2D.
True
Correct answer: False
Q3.
How do the objects closer to the viewer appear in one point perspective drawings?
smaller
Correct answer: larger
thinner
deeper
Q4.
What is the term given to the illusion of distance or three-dimensional space on a flat surface?
weight
height
breadth
Correct answer: depth
Q5.
What do you need to draw before starting a one point perspective drawing?
a horizon line and a light source
a horizon line and a light source
Correct answer: a horizon line and vanishing point
Q6.
When was one point perspective drawing first seen?
1300s
Correct answer: 1400s
1500s
1600s

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the type of drawing that is used to represent a three-dimensional object in two dimensions?
sectional
isometric
Correct answer: orthographic
perspective
Q2.
Which views of an object are included in an orthographic drawing?
Correct answer: front
base
Correct answer: side
Correct answer: top
edge
Q3.
An drawing is a 3D style that shows multiple sides of an object at once.
Correct Answer: isometric, Isometric
Q4.
The 3 views for an orthographic drawing are not separate drawings and connect together.
Correct answer: True
False
Q5.
What term is given to the measurements you add to a drawing to show the exact size of each part?
Correct Answer: dimensions, Dimensions, dimension
Q6.
The rules for creating an orthographic drawing are called conventions.
Correct Answer: standard, Standard