CAD for Kids

You do not have to wait to be in college to begin exploring the amazing world of Engineering or Architecture design.  Students can now begin exploring these fields at an early age by enrolling in courses like this one.

This course is an introduction to computer design using SketchUp software.  This course is recommended for middle and high school students with interest in the fields of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Design.

Inside this course, students will find lectures, exercises and assignments.  The lectures are design to introduce concepts and commands in videos that are easy to follow.  Each lecture is followed by an exercise in which the students practice using the concepts and commands that were introduced in the lectures.  The projects, or assignments, are designed to challenge the students to create designs on their own using just an image for guidance.

Course Content:

Lesson 1:  Introduction to Interface & basic commands

Exercise 1:  Simple House

Lesson 2:  Measurement Panel & tools

Exercise 2:  Bridge (1)

Lesson 3:  Circles and Arcs

Exercise 3:  Bridge (2)

Lesson 4:  Grouping & Components

Exercise 4:  Interior Design

Lesson 5:  Materials

Exercise 5:  Applying Materials

Assignment 1:  Dream House Design

Assignment 2:  Bedroom Design

Assignment 3:  Suspension Bridge Design

What you'll need: 

• A fast Internet connection

• A PC or laptop (no ipads)

• A computer mouse

SketchUp Free is the simplest free 3D modeling software on the web. It is a web-based software, so there is nothing to download!