3D modeling is the process of creating three-dimensional objects on a computer, which simultaneously involves creativity, logic and engineering thinking. This skill has long been used in architecture, design, the film industry and game development, and with the development of technology, it has become accessible even to children.

There are many programs for 3D modeling, but two are especially suitable for teaching children: Blender and TinkerCAD. 

In this article, we will talk about the features of these platforms and share lessons on 3D modeling for children. 

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1. Blender lessons for children.
2. 3d modeling in Tinkercad.
3. Simple modeling functions in Roblox.

Age: From 13 to 17 years old. 

Blender is a free tool for creating complex 3D models, animations, and visual effects. The program has all the technical capabilities for modeling, texturing, rendering, animation, simulation, and even compositing.

This platform is considered professional, but it can be mastered from scratch thanks to its intuitive interface and video tutorials. 

A simple tutorial on how to download Blender to any operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux), how to download it via Steam or the Microsoft store. The video author will also show you how to install the app, launch it to get started, and configure the interface. 

Duration: 5 minutes.

If you spent very little time on the interface in the last lesson, then this one will tell you about all the main functions in all the details.:

– How do I shrink or enlarge a window in Blender?

– How do I find all the created objects? 

– How do I add a new window and remove the second window in Blender? 

– How can I change the type of data displayed?

– Analysis of basic and additional 3D modeling tools in Blender.

– Explore the tabs of the workspaces.

– Work with deleting and saving objects. 

Duration: 6.5 minutes.

Sculpting in 3D modeling is a method of working with a three-dimensional model, which in many ways resembles the process of modeling from plasticine or clay. Instead of building an object from simple geometric shapes, the designer works with the model as if it were a dense material that can be stretched, compressed, smoothed, squeezed out or added new details to it. 

There is a special tool for this, which is taught to use in this video. 

Duration: 8 minutes. 

Animation is a frame—by-frame change in the position of an object in a frame. In fact, this is what we see in cartoons and games. 

You can learn how to create animations through a Blender, where you can animate any object. In this video, animation is analyzed on a very simple object, a cube. But the logic is clear: animation creation goes through 4 stages.

Duration: 8 minutes. 

If you have already figured out the interface and want to move on to more complex tasks, we suggest you start creating objects.

The easiest lesson is to create a vase. To do this, the author of the video suggests doing the following steps:: 

1. Adding a primitive to a Blender is a three—dimensional geometric shape that serves as a building material for more complex objects. For example: cube, cylinder, cone, sphere. 
2. Change the size of the sphere (primitive) using keyboard shortcuts. 
3. Edit an item. 
4. Turn on the transparency mode for clarity of the 3D model. 
5. Perform extrusion in a Blender is a tool that allows you to stretch surfaces, create new faces and vertices.  
6. Work with proportional editing in a Blender. 
7. Enable anti-aliasing mode.

Duration: 13 minutes. 

To make a car, you need to: 

1. Add the cube from which all objects are created to the Blender. It's like a big piece of plasticine, from which you need to sculpt the necessary figure.
2. To give the cube the shape of a car. It may take longer than the author of the video, but that's okay, because you're still learning. 
3. Add a cylinder and shape it into the wheels of a car.
4. Add radiator grilles to the headlights.
5. Finalize all the details. 

Duration: 12 minutes. 

After completing the lesson, you can practice the skill on creating other favorite characters. The lesson about the Minion is just an example of how to create 3D objects based on references in Blender.

The work plan for the model is as follows:

1. First, add a reference image, which we will check when creating the character. 
2. Then, according to the instructions in the video, we add all the geometric shapes from which the object will be drawn. A frame is created with the help of a sphere, and arms and legs are created with the help of cylinders. 
3. Last of all, we add small objects and follow all the program settings.

Duration: 9 minutes. 

The skeleton is another important feature in Blender that allows you to control the movements of the model and create realistic characters. 

Instead of manually moving individual parts of the model, you can install a skeleton inside the object, and then move and rotate its "bones" to achieve smooth, natural movements. 

How to do this is described in detail in the video. By the way, the analysis of the function also takes place using the example of a Minion. 

Duration: 9 minutes. 

Age: From 6 to 9 years old. 

TinkerCAD is a simplified online 3D modeling platform. In it, children can assemble models from basic geometric shapes, learning the basics of 3D design in a playful way.

The program does not require installation, it can be used directly in the browser after registration and creation of your account. 

Working with TinkerCAD is based on the concept of making models out of simple geometric shapes (cubes, cylinders, spheres, etc.). These shapes can be easily moved, resized, rotated, and combined to create more complex objects.

Models created in TinkerCAD can be easily exported to formats compatible with most 3D printers. This allows you to immediately turn the created virtual objects into figurines that can be printed and presented to your loved ones. 

TinkerCAD was originally conceived as a learning tool. It is not overloaded with professional features, but focuses on the basic principles of 3D design, which is why it is ideal for beginners. 

However, this is not the most popular 3D modeling program, so there are very few high-quality Russian-language videos on this topic on Youtube. Most often, schools offer to study the program as part of paid courses. 

The lesson is devoted to an overview of the platform where even children can program. In the video you will get acquainted with the base of the platform.:

– What is TinkerCAD?

– How do I create my first project?

– What does the program interface look like, and how to work with it? 

– How do I add and edit program elements?

Duration: 5.5 minutes. 

The principle of creating objects is the same as in Blender. 

1. You need to choose the basic geometric shapes that you will need to create a house. In this case, these are cubes. 
2. Next, you need to place the shapes on the working plane, change their dimensions, position and angle of inclination. For example, walls can be built from cubes, and a roof can be built from pyramids or inclined planes. 
3. The shapes are then combined or subtracted from each other to produce more complex details. All operations are performed through an intuitive interface — the elements are simply dragged, scaled and adjusted using the mouse. 

Duration: 14.5 minutes.

Perhaps the most difficult lesson in this video collection. To create this object, you need to start by breaking down one large shape into many simple shapes. 

You can use spheres for the head and body, cylinders for the paws and tail, as well as pyramids or prisms for the ears.

When all the elements are positioned and adjusted in size and position, they are combined into one model using the "Group" tool. If necessary, the details are aligned or slightly overlapped to make the transitions between the shapes look natural.

As a result, the cat's figure will consist of several basic primitives, but their combination will create a full-fledged three-dimensional object.

Duration: 24 minutes.

Age: 8-13 years old. 

Roblox is an online platform for creating games and virtual worlds. It does not specialize only in 3D modeling, its functionality is much broader. Here, users can design their own games and spaces, and then share them with other players. 

To fully simulate objects in this program, you will need knowledge of the Lua programming language, with which you can create animations and add interactivity to objects.

3D modeling capabilities in Roblox

1. Basic 3D primitives are available in Roblox Studio - cubes, cylinders, spheres, and others. These elements can be combined, scaled, rotated, and connected to create more complex designs.
2. You can change the appearance of objects, color them in desired colors, and cover them with various textures.
3. Models in Roblox can be grouped, turning several objects into a single structure. 
4. In addition to the standard primitives, Roblox allows you to create complex landscapes: hills, valleys, rivers and oceans. 

Here are some lessons to create objects in Roblox.

Follow the instructions in the video.: 

– Creation of points on which the wheels of the car will be attached in Roblox. 

– Creation of a special unit for controlling the machine. 

– Car simulation.

– Create a script to control the machine in Roblox. 

Duration: 5.5 minutes. 

The action plan is similar to the previous lesson. 

1. Start by creating an airplane model that consists of a body and wings. These two main parts are necessary for further work.
2. Customize the appearance. In Roblox Studio, you can customize colors, textures, and graphics such as logos or flags. 
3. Adjust the lighting to make the model look realistic. These can be soft shadows, reflections, and other visual effects.
4. If you want the aircraft to be able to move, create or use ready-made control scripts. They will allow your plane to "fly" in the game world.
5. After all the settings, check the operation of the model in game mode. If everything looks and works as it should, save the project.

Duration: 5 minutes. 

When it comes to teaching children 3D modeling, it's important to find a tool that matches their age, level of training, and interests. Let's look at three popular programs — Blender, TinkerCAD, and Roblox Studio — to see which one is right for your child.

Blender is a powerful tool for professional 3D modeling, animation and visual effects. It provides access to advanced features, but requires patience and time to master.

Advantages:

• Huge functionality that will allow the child to grow and develop as a designer.
• Free access.
• Lots of lessons and resources.

Cons:

• Long term training. 
• It requires a more powerful computer.

Tip: Blender is suitable for older children or those who already have experience with 3D modeling. 

TinkerCADTinkerCAD is a simple and intuitive platform, ideal for the first steps in 3D modeling. 

Advantages:

• A very simple interface that a child will understand in a matter of minutes.
• It works without installation, directly from the browser. 

Cons:

• Limited functionality compared to Blender.
• It is mainly suitable for basic projects.

Tip: TinkerCAD is the best choice for younger children or those who are just starting to get acquainted with 3D modeling.

Roblox StudioRoblox Studio is not so much a modeling tool as an environment for creating games. Simple 3D objects can be modeled here, but the main focus is on designing game levels and implementing interactivity.

Advantages:

• Easy to learn, especially if your child is already playing Roblox.
• Interactive features: you can immediately see the model in action.

Cons:

• It does not support complex modeling.
• The program is more often used to create games rather than detailed 3D models.

Tip: Roblox Studio is suitable for children who are interested in creating their own game worlds and interacting with them.

In any case, you need to focus on the interests and goals of the child. If he is a beginner, then it's better to try TinkerCAD. If he has been interested in IT and modeling for several years, he definitely needs to choose Blender. And if the child is more attracted to game design and the creation of interactive environments, then it is worth paying attention to Roblox Studio.