Model 3D objects for student understanding
3D modeling software allows users to create or view 3D objects or environments. There are a wide range of uses of this software, from special effects for films to illustrating books or graphic novels. In education, the software is typically used for students to view and manipulate scientific models or environments for building and manipulating models or prototypes. Models are usually viewed in 2D on a computer screen, but viewing in 3D (stereo) or in an immersive environment such as Duke's DiVE is possible.
Use of 3D modeling in education has primarily been driven by research needs, with the resulting models sometimes being used as a teaching tool. Faculty may create models as part of their research on their own computer or outsourcing the project to a commercial company using departmental resources or university and outside grant funding sources. In other cases, use of 3D software is driven by trends in the discipline where 3D tools for prototyping theater sets, buildings or works of art are replacing more traditional "pen and paper" methods.
Strategies
Manipulate models or create environments - Models can be purchased for viewing and manipulation in the software and sometimes several models can be joined together to create an "environment". When building a model, users can create the model "by hand," clicking on points on the screen to outline the object to create a "wireframe." The software can join points together to make the object solid and the "mesh" of the object can be overlayed with colors or textures, typically from a 2d "bitmap" (or jpeg).
Scan objects to make models - Models can also be built from "real" objects through the use of a scanner or digitizer. A scanner might use lasers or other technology to scan an object in 3D space; a digitizer is a mechanical arm and foot pedal - the user places the point of the arm on the object and presses the foot pedal to read the point into the 3D software.
Build models using datasets - Alternatively, models can be "built" using datasets. Examples include medical or geology data that are ready for use in 3D modeling software. Some abstract data can also be viewed in 3D, producing "scatter clouds" of information along multi-dimensional axis.
View models on a computer or via other venues - Models created using 3D software can be viewed in several ways. They can be viewed in 2D on a computer screen using a file viewing program that can read the file format used by software to create the model. Most software allows the users to rotate the object or "walk through" the space. The model builder can set up a predetermined "walk through" of the space or objects, or produce a simple movie that allows the viewer to rotate and examine an object; these are output as a 2D movies in AVI or Quicktime format. LCD glasses can be used with a computer screen to view models in 3D or a set of "goggles" containing monitors can be attached to a computer. Most 3D software packages can automatically output stereo images for use with LCD glasses or goggles. Duke's DiVE facility, which places the viewer "inside" the model, is an option where the immersive quality of the experience is needed to enhance understanding of the model.
"Print" a 3D model - Some models can be output as real objects using protyping processes - a computer hooked up to a "3D printer" can mold a custom version of the object from industrial plastics. There are several vendors that offer this service and 3D printers are available for producing smaller objects. Typically, protyping is used by artists in creating complex sculptures or exhibits that have small similar parts, or by engineers to prototype a product.
Examples
Brain visualization in a Neuroeconomics course
In the course NEUROBIO 95S, taught by Scott Huettel and Michael Platt, School of Medicine, students built a model of the brain using freely available MIR imaging data. The model was viewed using Duke's DiVE facility.
Virtual tabernacle and temple experience
Anathea Portier-Young, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Duke Divinity School, applied to the CIT for funding to adapt a publicly available 3D model of the ancient Israelite Tabernacle and Temple for viewing in the Duke Immersive Virtual Environment (DiVE) by students in her course “Introduction to Old Testament Interpretation.” Portier-Young wanted students to better understand the design of the site and its use in worship activities by seeing the site on a full scale “virtual” tour.
DiVE into Science Education: Development of a Biological/Chemical 3D Virtual Model
Rochelle Schwartz-Bloom, Professor, Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine is leading a project to develop a 3D virtual model of drug action at the molecular level that can be used in teaching undergraduates in Pharmacology 150. An interdisciplinary team of undergraduate students will use the Visualization Lab and DiVE Tank to create a virtual 3D model as well as a 3D web-based version that can be used online.
Incorporating AutoCAD into Art & Art History courses
Caroline Bruzelius, Art & Art History used AutoCAD in her course, Art History 110: Gothic Cathedrals. Students in the course created a model of a cathedral in AutoCAD as a group project in the class.
Using 3D geology model
Peter Malin's class EOS 223S used data from the United State Geological Service to produce a 3D model of Yucca Mountain that included layers, fault lines, tunnels and other features. This course was supported with a CIT Course Design grant. The model was viewed using the DiVE facility.
Tools
Google SketchUp (Windows and Mac) Free, simple 3D modeling software package; Google has an area where users can upload models and they can be placed in Google Earth.
Maya and 3D Studio Max - 3D modelling software by Autodesk for Mac and Windows.
Cinema 4D 3D modelling software for the Mac platform.
Mechanical 3D digitizer , handheld 3D digitizer that uses a digital camera and a typical 3D laser scanner used to scan objects to create 3D models.
3D models - human anatomy and biology - Available in Maya, 3DS Max, Cinema 4D formats
3D anatomy sets and software - Available in formats suitable for many 3D packages (Maya, 3DS Max, Cinema 4d)
Free 3D models created by users of Google's SketchUp software
Selection of 3D models for sale (objects, characters, people)
