Use Blender for 3D Modeling and Printing
Do you want to learn to print 3D objects? Create 3D models? Design video games? Get an introduction to Blender, an open-source 3D modeling and graphics program that lets you do all these things.
Upon completion, students will get:
- Earn a UC San Diego Extension award of completion
- 1.5 pre-college credits by UC San Diego Extension
- UC San Diego Extension Transcript
- Taught by UC San Diego Extension qualify instructors
- Explore interests in STEM
Introduction to 3D Modeling with Blender
Students will learn to set up Blender and will get familiar with basic concepts of 3D modeling and transformation of digital objects. Then they will find out how to use Blender for computer-aided design (CAD) projects such as 3D printing, tool making and architectural modeling. Students will also try out using Blender for environmental design in a video game. Projects will include creating a chess set or board game in a digital and physical environment. After completing the course, students will have a solid basis to move on to more advanced studies in 3D printing and modeling.
What you will learn:
Get an introduction to 3D printing, 3D modeling and game design with the powerful open-source program Blender.
- Learn how to set up Blender for 3D modeling.
- Understand basic concepts of 3D modeling and transformation of digital objects.
- Become familiar with basic concepts of game design.
- Practice creating chess pieces in a physical and digital environment.
- Learn how to use Blender for computer-aided design projects.
- Learn how to use Blender for environmental design and simulations.
Student's Gallery
Deep-Space Base Building
Building a base to sustain human explorers in space or on another planet is the next frontier in space exploration. Research what it takes to support human life and then design your own space base.
Students will get an introduction to space environmental research as they learn about the conditions in space and on the different types of planets. They will also research the technology that is currently available to keep humans alive in space. Then students will design a base for explorers in space or on another planet. Students will have the option of learning to use the open-source program Blender to create a 3D representation of their base. In addition to learning about space exploration, students will acquire basic-research skills, including identifying authoritative materials, using different search methods and conducting database research.
What you will learn:
Conduct research on the technology needed to support human life off of Earth and then design a base for humans in space or on another planet.
- Learn how to do basic research using peer-reviewed sources and where to find space-specific resources.
- Become familiar with the environmental characteristics of the planets in our solar system.
- Understand the materials and construction methods that can be used for space survival.
- Survey past and future endeavors in space exploration.
- Create a space base design and share it using either a traditional research presentation or a 3D model created with Blender.
Advanced 3D Modeling and Animation for Game Development with Blender
Create a Video Game Using Proper 3D Modeling Techniques
Advanced 3D modeling and animation for games with Blender will teach students how to build a professional 3D game level. Students will learn and focus on advanced topics of 3D modeling with Blender including UV mapping, image textures, bump and normal maps. In addition, students will also learn proper 3D modeling techniques including proper topology. This hands-on course will equip students with basic animation knowledge using armatures and keyframes at the end of which, they will create their own video game.
What you will learn:
- Learn how to create models for a video game
- Create image textures and apply them on 3D objects
- Build bump and normal maps to create the illusion of textures on objects
- Learn basic topology and retopology and understand the importance of proper 3D modeling
- Create basic animation to control a player character and various game objects
Interested?
Contact us for details.
