How to integrate Maxwell for Google SketchUp into the classroom: Maxwell takes student work in Google SketchUp and polishes it up to a professional level. Truly, the results are akin to what the professionals turn out! The SketchUp/Maxwell combination are wonderful for graphic art classes, math and geometry modeling, advertising lessons, engineering classes, architecture, science models, etc.
Don’t let the impressive results fool you, I’ve had 3rd grade students who made some amazing models using SketchUp. I look forward to introducing them to the Maxwell plugin so that students can see their work come to life in ways that they couldn’t do before.
At Anastasis Academy, we have several students from 2nd through 8th grade who are extremely interested and passionate about architecture. Google SketchUp is where I send them! Students can plan, create and build. Maxwell will allow them to visualize their creations in totally new ways.
I don’t understand why more schools don’t put these types of tools in the hands of students more often. Exposing students to tools like this, gives them the opportunity to explore their passions and interests. The tools are getting easier and easier to use and the number of tutorials is astonishing. You (the teacher) don’t have to know how to use these tools inside and out, your job is to let your students know they exist, and help them find the resources to use them. No excuses!
Tips: Using rendering tools teaches students about materials, light sources, shadows, etc. Use Maxwell to teach students these science concepts!
Please leave a comment and share how you are using Maxwell for Google SketchUp in your classroom!
Totally agree, Kelly. I hope more and more teachers embrace the role of guide on the side, as parents make it clear to the policy makers this is what they want for their kids. Maxwell sounds fascinating!