The Wire
March MicroProject: Super Squad Headquarters IN 3D!
On February 24th, 2011 by thegreatalexander
Being in Mouse Squad is kind of like being a super hero, and all super heroes have a super home base. What if your Mouse Squad could have the home base of your dreams? Here’s your chance to make it happen. For the March MicroProject your challenge will be to use Google Sketch-up to design your super HQ in 3-D! NOTE: Google Sketch-up is an advanced techie tool so make sure you start early in March to get the hang of it.
- Make a plan. Brainstorm ideas. If you could, would you meet in a giant skyscraper like Tony Stark (Iron Man)? What about a mansion like Professor X? Or an underground cave like Batman? Would you stay right where you are now?
- Get to know Google Sketch-Up. Have your coordinator download it and watch some of the tutorial videos here.
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BEFORE YOU START
Make sure you watch the first 4 videos to learn HOW Google Sketch-up is supposed to work (otherwise, you’ll be really confused!). If you are having trouble viewing the videos have your coordinator download them from here.
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MAKE YOUR HQ!
Draw shapes with the square, circle and line tool and make them 3D with the Push/Pull tool. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see sketch-up is easy and fun.
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SHOW THE WORLD!
Make a blog post on mousesquad.org telling everyone about your home base! Include “March MicroProject” in the title and describe your HQ in at least 2-3 sentences. Think about how your HQ helps you be a Super Mouse Squad. Make sure to include some pictures of your HQ. Go to “Export” under the File menu and click on “2D Graphic.” Take pictures from different angles by using the Orbit tool!
BONUS POINTS:
- Label parts of your HQ. Under the Tools menu you can find options to add text. What cool features does your HQ have?
- Create detailed accessories to go in your lair. What tools would your Super Squad use as both a Mouse Squad and a team of Super Technology Heroes?
- Extra super bonus points if you can put your pictures together into a collage like the examples at the top. Use an image editor like GIMP or Photoshop to do this.
