Connect the Dots: Isometric Drawing and Coded Plans
Students learn about isometric drawings and practice sketching on triangle-dot paper the shapes they make using multiple simple cubes. They also learn how to use coded plans to envision objects and draw them on triangle-dot paper. A PowerPoint® presentation, worksheet and triangle-dot (isometric) paper printout are provided. This activity is part of a multi-activity series towards improving spatial visualization skills.
An isometric drawing of an object made using a tablet computer.
Spatial visualization is an essential skill in taking ideas that initially only exist in the mind to something that can be communicated clearly to other people and eventually turned into products, structures and systems. As such, it is an important skill for professionals within the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields—particularly engineering. Engineers use spatial visualization skills whenever three-dimensional concepts, devices and ideas are being discussed. For example, chemical engineers use spatial visualization when studying three-dimensional molecules, while mechanical engineers use spatial visualization when designing prosthetic limbs that require multiple motors, gears, linkages, bearings and shafts to fit within a single assembly.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Draw a coded plan from an object made of cubes.
- Use a coded plan to build an object made of cubes.
- Define and explain the meaning of isometric.
- Draw a shape on isometric triangle-dot paper.