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PROJECT UNIT

Blender 3D Modelling

Digital Literacy

Learn the essential Blender tools by completing guided training models designed by the National Center for Computing Education (NCCE). before creating your own animated 3D island scene for assessment.

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Blender
Blender Project

Project Goal

  • Navigate the Blender interface confidently.
  • Complete four training models before the assessment begins.
  • Learn modelling tools such as move, rotate, scale, extrude and loop cut.
  • Create an original animated island scene.
  • Add materials, textures, lighting and camera angles.
  • Produce a final render and animation as evidence.

Blender Academy

Before beginning your final assessment, you will complete four guided training models. These practise the core skills you will later apply to your own animated island scene.

Monkey

Monkey

Snowman

Snowman

Rocket

Rocket

Chair

Chair

Island Scene

Final Scene

Blender Toolbox

Use this as a quick reference throughout the unit.

Navigation

Rotate ViewMiddle Mouse
PanShift + MMB
ZoomMouse Wheel
Frame SceneHome

Transform

MoveG
RotateR
ScaleS
DuplicateShift + D

Modelling

Edit ModeTab
ExtrudeE
Loop CutCtrl + R
DeleteX

Animation & Render

KeyframeI
Play AnimationSpace
Render ImageF12
SaveCtrl + S
BLENDER ACADEMY

Training Models

Monkey

Stage 1: Blender Basics - Monkey

Goal: Learn the Blender interface by creating a simple party monkey model.

  • Navigate the Blender viewport.
  • Delete the default cube.
  • Add a monkey head and cone.
  • Move, rotate and scale objects into position.
  • Check your model from different angles.

Tools used in this stage

G - Move R - Rotate S - Scale X - Delete
Teacher Tip: Use the viewport widget regularly so your objects line up correctly from all angles.

Stage 1 How-to Guide

Download PDF
Snowman

Stage 2: Blender Basics - Snowman

Goal: Learn the Blender interface by creating a simple snowman model.

  • Navigate the Blender viewport.
  • Delete the default cube.
  • Add a sphere mesh for the head.
  • Add multiple spheres for the eyes and mouth.
  • Add a cone for the nose
  • Move, rotate and scale the spheres and cone into position.
  • Check your model from different angles.

Tools used in this stage

G - Move R - Rotate S - Scale X - Delete
Teacher Tip: Use the viewport widget regularly so your objects line up correctly from all angles.

Stage 2 How-to Guide

Download PDF
Rocket

Stage 3: Blender Basics - Rocket

Goal: Learn the Blender interface by creating a Rocket model.

  • Navigate the Blender viewport.
  • Delete the default cube.
  • Add a cylinder.
  • Move, rotate and scale objects into position.
  • Check your model from different angles.

Tools used in this stage

G - Move R - Rotate S - Scale X - Delete
Teacher Tip: Use the viewport widget regularly so your objects line up correctly from all angles.

Stage 3 How-to Guide

Download PDF
Chair

Stage 4: Precision Modelling - Chair

Goal: Build a chair using careful scaling, loop cuts and organised modelling techniques.

  • Create the chair base from a cube.
  • Use loop cuts to divide the shape.
  • Create legs and a back rest.
  • Keep the model aligned and balanced.
  • Use clear object names where possible.

Tools used in this stage

Ctrl + R - Loop Cut S + Z - Scale on Axis Alignment Object Naming
Teacher Tip: Precision matters. Rotate around your model regularly to check it from all sides.

Stage 4 How-to Guide

Download PDF

Final Assessment Project

Create your own Animated Island Scene. Everything you have learned now comes together.

FINAL ASSESSMENT

Animated Island Scene

Island

Stage 5: Organic Modelling

Goal: Begin your assessed scene by creating the main environment and core models.

  • Create a sea plane.
  • Create an island shape.
  • Add palm trees.
  • Organise your scene carefully.

Assessment focus

Environment Creativity
Teacher Tip: Build the main shapes first before adding smaller details.

Stage 5 Assessment Guide

Download PDF
Materials

Stage 6: Materials and Textures

Goal: Make your island scene more realistic using colours, materials and texture choices.

  • Add blue material for the sea.
  • Add sand material for the island.
  • Add wood material for the boat and tree trunks.
  • Add green materials for palm leaves.
  • Use materials consistently across your scene.

Assessment focus

Materials Textures Realism
Teacher Tip: Keep a consistent colour palette so the whole scene feels connected.

Stage 6 Assessment Guide

Download PDF
Render

Stage 7: Lighting, Camera and Animation

Goal: Complete your scene by adding lighting, camera positioning, animation and a final render.

  • Add lighting so the scene is clear and atmospheric.
  • Position the camera to frame your scene well.
  • Animate at least one part of the scene.
  • Render a final image or animation.
  • Save your final Blender file clearly.

Assessment focus

Lighting Rendering Animation
Teacher Tip: Test your lighting and camera angle before starting the final render.

Stage 7 Assessment Guide

Download PDF

Creative Extensions

Choose extra features to make your island scene more original and creative.

Lighthouse
Pirate Ship
Treasure Chest
Dolphins
Seagulls
Volcano
Sunset Lighting
Animated Waves
Hidden Cave
Waterfall

Assessment Rubric

Your final scene will be assessed across these six areas.

Sailing Boat

★★★★★

Detailed, accurate and realistic model.

Environment

★★★★★

Sea, island and palm trees are complete and visually effective.

Materials & Textures

★★★★★

Realistic colours and materials are applied carefully.

Lighting & Rendering

★★★★★

Scene is well lit with a clear final render.

Animation

★★★★★

Movement is smooth, believable and supports the scene.

Creativity

★★★★★

Original details go beyond the minimum requirements.

Final Submission Checklist

Tick when completed: