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Explorations and apps

3D models

Add a 3D model students can turn, zoom and inspect from every side, starting from the view you choose, and let them download the file if you want them to keep it.

When to use it

Use a 3D model when the shape matters or something is hidden from the first view: the magma chamber inside a volcano, the inside of a molecule or an engine, a building seen from behind. Students turn the model themselves and find the feature.

A model also suits technology and design lessons: an STL or 3MF file can be downloaded for 3D printing.

Adding a model

  1. In a worksheet, use the + between two items and choose 3D model. Searching for "3D" in the picker is the quickest way.

  2. Click Select file and choose a GLB, STL, 3MF or OBJ file of up to 50 MB.

  3. Turn the model to the view students should start from: drag to rotate and scroll to zoom, or click the model and use the arrow keys. Then click Use this view as the thumbnail. That view becomes the starting view and the picture shown in the worksheet.

  4. Write the task in the title under the model, for example "Turn the volcano and find the magma chamber."

  5. Under Settings, choose Rotate automatically if the model should turn on its own, and Allow downloading the file if students may keep it. STL, 3MF and OBJ models can also be given a Colour; GLB files keep their own colours.

  6. Click the tick.

Replace file swaps in another model. The saved view belongs to the old file, so set the view again afterwards.

What students do

Students drag to rotate the model, scroll or pinch to zoom, and drag with the right mouse button to move it. With the keyboard, the arrow keys rotate it, + and − zoom, and Home resets. Reset view brings back your starting view at any time. If the file contains an animation, they can play and pause it.

When downloading is allowed, a Download button under the model gives them the original file. For STL and 3MF files the model's dimensions in millimetres are shown too.

Nothing they do is recorded.

Tips

  • Choose a starting view where the thing to find is not yet visible, and put the task in the title, so students have a reason to turn the model.

  • Use GLB for a model in several colours. STL, 3MF and OBJ models are shown in the one Colour you choose.

  • Smaller files load faster on school devices.

  • The model needs a browser that can show 3D graphics. If a device cannot, students see a message instead of the model.