http://sketchup.google.com
Google SketchUp (free) is an easy-to-learn 3D modeling program that enables you to explore the world in 3D. With just a few simple tools, you can create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects - even space ships. And once you've built your models, you can place them in Google Earth, post them to the 3D Warehouse, or print hard copies.
This course will list resources for SketchUp, organized by sections below. Don't forget to check out the official SketchUp community for quick answers to common questions. Enjoy!
How does SketchUp help my students?
To quote Google: "We live in 3D. Why shouldn't we start thinking and teaching that way?" SketchUp integrates mathematics, spacial thinking, problem solving, and real-world tools to help visualize complex concepts. Students explore and work with geometric concepts instead of just reading about them. SketchUp is fun and very easy to use, allowing you to spend time teaching the subject, not the tool. Check out these links to learn more.
- SketchUp For Educators Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Google Educator's Sketchup page: Has lesson plans and a quickstart guide, and incorporates SketchUp with Google Earth & unitedstreaming.
- Student Gallery: Look at what these students are making!
- Case Studies: Check out these detailed examples of how specific schools are using and integrating sketchup.
- The SketchUp Student Workbook: a perfect book for your classroom. The initial chapters provide all basic concepts, which students then apply and build upon while working on "do-it-yourself" projects. Minimal guidance is provided when necessary. The accompanying Instructor Guide contains all necessary steps for each exercise and project, as well as cross-references to pages in the Workbook.
- List of K12 schools using SketchUp Pro: So who else is using this program? See a long list of schools using it!

How do I start using SketchUp?
What are other people doing with it?
I need more specific help. Where do I go?
If reading manuals is not for you, or if you have specific questions or issues that you would like resolved, then check out these links.

Where can I get more stuff for SketchUp?
- SketchUp Components: Components are pre-drawn objects (like trees, cars and people) that are useful for creating reusable models to be placed within other models. Google has included dozens of components in Google SketchUp (free) to help get you started, but there's lots more available. Here are some additional libraries of components that will help you create more advanced SketchUp models.
Sample SketchUp Models