About the unit
Northumberland Resources
Software
Courses
Web links
In this unit children learn to use an object-based graphics package to produce images and visual models. They learn the key differences between an object-based program and a paint package and understand that visual models can be used to identify patterns and relationships.

Children will be able to apply what they have learnt in this unit when making maps in geography and drawing diagrams in science.
 

Northumberland Resources
The following activities provide a complete set of resources to assist in the teaching of this unit.

 		 1. Click on the image on the left for a whole class starter activity. This can be used as an introduction to show what graphical modelling is and how it can be useful when designing room or playground layouts.

2. Go through the different options a), b) and c). Move on from c) to demonstrate the Quick Practice screen, showing how to create, move, rotate, order and clear symbols.
3. Click on the image on the right to demonstrate Class Design 1 - a layout for a class of 20 with the problem of where to position an extra computer.

Give the pupils time to experiment with different layouts on their own - use Class Design 1 or 2 for a quick start before moving on to the Empty Classroom, where a layout can be designed from scratch.

Pupils can add their name to the blank design and can print their work by right clicking on the screen and selecting Print from the pop up menu.
The playground design screens can be used as an extension activity.
 
4. Now use the Teachers' Notes for the basis of a demonstration of the differences between a paint package such as Dazzle and a vector based program such as the drawing tools in Word.

The pupils can then go on to create their own classroom plans or maps of the school grounds.

The Teachers' Notes can be read online or downloaded:
 Word document (304K) or as a PDF (163K)

Software
 
A paint package such as Dazzle
Vector based drawing tools, such as the drawing tools in Word, Publisher or Flash

Courses
Flash

Web links
Ross Furniture
Edlestone Primary
Wensleydale Middle - castle plans