Spatial Design & VR

3D & VR Spatial Design

1
2
3
4
5
6

Welcome to 3D & VR Spatial Design! In this strand, you will progress from understanding 3D coordinates and spatial layouts to building fully interactive virtual environments and immersive VR experiences using free-tier tools.

Level 1

2D to 3D AR

Understanding 2D to 3D transformation and AR markers.

Learning objective

Learning About: 3D Spaces. Learning To: Use AR triggers. Learning To Be: Inquirer.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

In the physical world, objects have three dimensions: Width (X), Height (Y), and Depth (Z). Augmented Reality (AR) uses your device's camera to place 3D virtual models right on your desk! In computing, technology helps us transform flat designs into spatial objects. As you explore the interactive Three DViewer Simulator below, focus on how to explain how x, y, and z axes define 3D height, width, and depth.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Spatial Curriculum:Step 1 โ€ข Bronze Tier
๐ŸงŠ
Step 1 โ€ข Bronze (Level 1): 2D to 3D AR - Dimension Identification

Identify 2D flat drawings vs 3D objects with depth. Inspect the interactive 3D model in the viewport.

In Progress
3D Primitives:
Camera Angle:
Front
Back
Right
Left
Top
Bottom
X: Width
Y: Height
Z: Depth

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Project your first AR model!

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 1 Tasks 1, 2 & 3

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Identify 2D drawings vs 3D objects.

Developing

Use AR marker apps to project 3D models.

Secure (Goal)

Explain how x, y, and z axes define 3D height, width, and depth.

Mastery

Design custom AR trigger markers and explain spatial anchoring. Typing: 5 WPM.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

How did seeing the model in 3D help you understand its shape better than a flat picture?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Explain how x, y, and z axes define 3D height, width, and depth.

Learning check

Learning Check

Which axis gives a 3D object its 'depth' coming towards or away from you?

Choose the correct answer.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! X is width, Y is height, and Z is depth!Not quite. Remember: X = left/right, Y = up/down, Z = depth!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: See, Think, Wonder

Teacher notes: Facilitate the See, Think, Wonder routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Form (Technology helps us transform flat designs into spatial objects.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Identify 2D drawings vs 3D objects.
  • Developing: Use AR marker apps to project 3D models.
  • Secure: Explain how x, y, and z axes define 3D height, width, and depth.
  • Mastering: Design custom AR trigger markers and explain spatial anchoring. Typing: 5 WPM.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CD.01.B.1.1

Outcome: SPAT-O-01 โ€” Understanding 2D to 3D transformation and AR markers.

PYP: Form ยท Technology helps us transform flat designs into spatial objects.

Learner profile: Inquirer

Competency tags

  • augmented-reality
  • 3d-shapes
  • spatial-awareness

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "Which axis gives a 3D object its 'depth' coming towards or away from you?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 2: 3D Layouts

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 2

3D Layouts

Spatial planning, scaling, and architectural layout.

Learning objective

Learning About: Layouts. Learning To: Arrange 3D rooms. Learning To Be: Communicator.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Architects and interior designers use 3D tools like HomeDesigner and Tinkercad to plan spaces before building them. Arranging walls, doors, and furniture in 3D ensures people can walk through rooms comfortably. In computing, spatial layouts organize environments for human movement. As you explore the interactive Three DViewer Simulator below, focus on how to design a 3D room floorplan balancing space and accessibility.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Spatial Curriculum:Step 2 โ€ข Bronze Tier
๐ŸงŠ
Step 1 โ€ข Bronze (Level 1): 2D to 3D AR - Dimension Identification

Identify 2D flat drawings vs 3D objects with depth. Inspect the interactive 3D model in the viewport.

In Progress
3D Primitives:
Camera Angle:
Front
Back
Right
Left
Top
Bottom
X: Width
Y: Height
Z: Depth

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Design a 3D classroom layout!

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 2 Tasks 4, 5 & 6

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Place 3D furniture models on a floor grid.

Developing

Scale and rotate 3D objects to fit a room plan.

Secure (Goal)

Design a 3D room floorplan balancing space and accessibility.

Mastery

Calculate room floor areas and optimize furniture placement for navigation. Typing: 10 WPM.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

Why is it important to rotate 3D objects to check them from all angles?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Design a 3D room floorplan balancing space and accessibility.

Learning check

Learning Check

What happens if you place a 3D door object overlapping with a solid wall object without cutting an opening?

Select the best option.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! In 3D design, object bounding boxes must not overlap awkwardly.Think about what happens when two solid objects occupy the same physical space!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Zoom In

Teacher notes: Facilitate the Zoom In routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Function (Spatial layouts organize environments for human movement.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Place 3D furniture models on a floor grid.
  • Developing: Scale and rotate 3D objects to fit a room plan.
  • Secure: Design a 3D room floorplan balancing space and accessibility.
  • Mastering: Calculate room floor areas and optimize furniture placement for navigation. Typing: 10 WPM.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CD.01.B.1.2

Outcome: SPAT-O-02 โ€” Spatial planning, scaling, and architectural layout.

PYP: Function ยท Spatial layouts organize environments for human movement.

Learner profile: Communicator

Competency tags

  • 3d-modeling
  • floorplans
  • spatial-planning

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "What happens if you place a 3D door object overlapping with a solid wall object without cutting an opening?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 3: 3D Structures

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 3

3D Structures

Combining 3D primitives and CAD tools for architectural modeling.

Learning objective

Learning About: CAD. Learning To: Group 3D primitives. Learning To Be: Thinker.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Complex 3D models are built using Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG). By adding basic shapes together (grouping) or subtracting shapes (using 'hole' tools), you can construct anything from a simple chair to a futuristic space station! In computing, engineers construct complex structures by grouping simple geometric shapes. As you explore the interactive Three DViewer Simulator below, focus on how to model a multi-room building or monument using grouping and hole cuts.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Spatial Curriculum:Step 3 โ€ข Bronze Tier
๐ŸงŠ
Step 1 โ€ข Bronze (Level 1): 2D to 3D AR - Dimension Identification

Identify 2D flat drawings vs 3D objects with depth. Inspect the interactive 3D model in the viewport.

In Progress
3D Primitives:
Camera Angle:
Front
Back
Right
Left
Top
Bottom
X: Width
Y: Height
Z: Depth

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Build a 3D architectural structure!

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 3 Tasks 7, 8 & 9

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Combine two 3D primitive shapes (cubes, cylinders).

Developing

Use alignment and grouping tools in CAD (Tinkercad / SketchUp).

Secure (Goal)

Model a multi-room building or monument using grouping and hole cuts.

Mastery

Export 3D models into standardized .OBJ or .STL files for VR environments. Typing: 15 WPM.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

How did grouping individual shapes make moving your whole 3D building easier?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Model a multi-room building or monument using grouping and hole cuts.

Learning check

Learning Check

If you want to cut a round window hole through a flat 3D wall block in CAD, what tool combination do you use?

Choose the best option.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Grouping a solid shape with a 'hole' shape carves out the opening!Remember CSG logic: Solid + Hole grouped together = Carved Shape!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Think, Puzzle, Explore

Teacher notes: Facilitate the Think, Puzzle, Explore routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Connection (Engineers construct complex structures by grouping simple geometric shapes.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Combine two 3D primitive shapes (cubes, cylinders).
  • Developing: Use alignment and grouping tools in CAD (Tinkercad / SketchUp).
  • Secure: Model a multi-room building or monument using grouping and hole cuts.
  • Mastering: Export 3D models into standardized .OBJ or .STL files for VR environments. Typing: 15 WPM.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CD.02.B.1.1

Outcome: SPAT-O-03 โ€” Combining 3D primitives and CAD tools for architectural modeling.

PYP: Connection ยท Engineers construct complex structures by grouping simple geometric shapes.

Learner profile: Thinker

Competency tags

  • cad
  • 3d-primitives
  • sketchup
  • tinkercad

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "If you want to cut a round window hole through a flat 3D wall block in CAD, what tool combination do you use?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 4: CoSpaces Intro

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 4

CoSpaces Intro

Building interactive 3D scenes and block coding motion.

Learning objective

Learning About: 3D Coding. Learning To: Animate 3D objects. Learning To Be: Principled.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

In CoSpaces Free Tier, you can build 3D virtual scenes and use CoBlocks (block-based code) to control your 3D objects. You must first right-click an object and toggle 'Use in CoBlocks' before your scripts can control it! In computing, coding allows virtual worlds to react dynamically to user actions. As you explore the interactive Three DViewer Simulator below, focus on how to code event triggers ('when object clicked') to trigger speech bubbles or movement.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Spatial Curriculum:Step 4 โ€ข Bronze Tier
๐ŸงŠ
Step 1 โ€ข Bronze (Level 1): 2D to 3D AR - Dimension Identification

Identify 2D flat drawings vs 3D objects with depth. Inspect the interactive 3D model in the viewport.

In Progress
3D Primitives:
Camera Angle:
Front
Back
Right
Left
Top
Bottom
X: Width
Y: Height
Z: Depth

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Code an interactive 3D character!

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 4 Tasks 10, 11 & 12

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Place characters in a CoSpaces 3D scene.

Developing

Enable CoBlocks for 3D items and program simple movement.

Secure (Goal)

Code event triggers ('when object clicked') to trigger speech bubbles or movement.

Mastery

Program parallel speech and animation loops across multiple 3D characters. Typing: 20 WPM.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

What happens if you forget to enable 'Use in CoBlocks' on a 3D object?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Code event triggers ('when object clicked') to trigger speech bubbles or movement.

Learning check

Learning Check

Why wouldn't a character block appear in your CoBlocks script workspace?

Select the correct answer.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Spot on! Toggling 'Use in CoBlocks' tells the engine to register the object for scripting!Check the object properties menu! Did you turn on 'Use in CoBlocks'?
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: See, Think, Wonder

Teacher notes: Facilitate the See, Think, Wonder routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Responsibility (Coding allows virtual worlds to react dynamically to user actions.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Place characters in a CoSpaces 3D scene.
  • Developing: Enable CoBlocks for 3D items and program simple movement.
  • Secure: Code event triggers ('when object clicked') to trigger speech bubbles or movement.
  • Mastering: Program parallel speech and animation loops across multiple 3D characters. Typing: 20 WPM.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CD.02.B.1.2

Outcome: SPAT-O-04 โ€” Building interactive 3D scenes and block coding motion.

PYP: Responsibility ยท Coding allows virtual worlds to react dynamically to user actions.

Learner profile: Principled

Competency tags

  • cospaces
  • 3d-coding
  • coblocks
  • event-triggers

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "Why wouldn't a character block appear in your CoBlocks script workspace?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 5: VR Audio & Camera

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 5

VR Audio & Camera

Spatial audio, camera paths, and VR head-tracking navigation.

Learning objective

Learning About: VR Immersion. Learning To: Set spatial audio. Learning To Be: Knowledgeable.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Virtual Reality (VR) tricks your brain into feeling present in a digital world. By attaching 'Spatial Sound' to 3D objects, the sound gets louder as your camera moves closer, mimicking real-life acoustics! In computing, immersive environments engage human senses through camera perspective and spatial audio. As you explore the interactive Three DViewer Simulator below, focus on how to build a guided VR tour with path-following camera movement and directional sound.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Spatial Curriculum:Step 5 โ€ข Bronze Tier
๐ŸงŠ
Step 1 โ€ข Bronze (Level 1): 2D to 3D AR - Dimension Identification

Identify 2D flat drawings vs 3D objects with depth. Inspect the interactive 3D model in the viewport.

In Progress
3D Primitives:
Camera Angle:
Front
Back
Right
Left
Top
Bottom
X: Width
Y: Height
Z: Depth

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Add spatial audio & VR camera paths!

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 5 Tasks 13, 14 & 15

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Set the VR camera starting position in a 3D space.

Developing

Attach spatial audio sounds to 3D objects that grow louder as you approach.

Secure (Goal)

Build a guided VR tour with path-following camera movement and directional sound.

Mastery

Optimize 3D scene lighting and spatial audio range to prevent VR motion discomfort. Typing: 25 WPM.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

How does spatial audio change when you walk away from a sound source in VR?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Build a guided VR tour with path-following camera movement and directional sound.

Learning check

Learning Check

What is the main difference between standard stereo background audio and VR Spatial Audio?

Choose the best answer.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Spatial audio adjusts automatically depending on where the user stands in 3D space!Think about how sound changes when you walk towards a speaker vs across the room!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: I used to think...

Teacher notes: Facilitate the I used to think... routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Perspective (Immersive environments engage human senses through camera perspective and spatial audio.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Set the VR camera starting position in a 3D space.
  • Developing: Attach spatial audio sounds to 3D objects that grow louder as you approach.
  • Secure: Build a guided VR tour with path-following camera movement and directional sound.
  • Mastering: Optimize 3D scene lighting and spatial audio range to prevent VR motion discomfort. Typing: 25 WPM.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CD.03.B.1.1

Outcome: SPAT-O-05 โ€” Spatial audio, camera paths, and VR head-tracking navigation.

PYP: Perspective ยท Immersive environments engage human senses through camera perspective and spatial audio.

Learner profile: Knowledgeable

Competency tags

  • spatial-audio
  • vr-camera
  • head-tracking
  • immersion

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "What is the main difference between standard stereo background audio and VR Spatial Audio?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 6: VR Exhibition

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 6

VR Exhibition

Designing and publishing an interactive Virtual Museum or Exhibition.

Learning objective

Learning About: VR Showcase. Learning To: Build a 3D exhibition. Learning To Be: Reflective.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

A Virtual Exhibition combines everything you have learned: 3D architectural design, coded interactive triggers, spatial audio, and information plaques. Users anywhere in the world can explore your project using a browser, tablet, or VR headset! In computing, shared virtual spaces allow global audiences to explore culture and ideas. As you explore the interactive Three DViewer Simulator below, focus on how to publish a complete VR Museum featuring interactive audio guides, 3D artifacts, and quizzes.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Spatial Curriculum:Step 6 โ€ข Bronze Tier
๐ŸงŠ
Step 1 โ€ข Bronze (Level 1): 2D to 3D AR - Dimension Identification

Identify 2D flat drawings vs 3D objects with depth. Inspect the interactive 3D model in the viewport.

In Progress
3D Primitives:
Camera Angle:
Front
Back
Right
Left
Top
Bottom
X: Width
Y: Height
Z: Depth

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Publish your Virtual Exhibition!

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 6 Tasks 16, 17 & 18

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Place exhibit items and text plaques inside a 3D virtual gallery.

Developing

Code teleportation portals between different exhibition rooms.

Secure (Goal)

Publish a complete VR Museum featuring interactive audio guides, 3D artifacts, and quizzes.

Mastery

Conduct user experience (UX) testing for VR accessibility, performance, and clear navigation. Typing: 30+ WPM.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

How did building a 3D VR museum help you present your inquiry project in a way a poster couldn't?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Publish a complete VR Museum featuring interactive audio guides, 3D artifacts, and quizzes.

Learning check

Learning Check

What feature allows visitors in a 3D virtual museum to jump instantly from the Egyptian Room to the Space Station Room?

Choose the best option.

Answer correctly to complete this strand.

Excellent! Teleport portals seamless connect different virtual 3D spaces!Think about how users move instantly across large virtual worlds!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Step Inside

Teacher notes: Facilitate the Step Inside routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Reflection (Shared virtual spaces allow global audiences to explore culture and ideas.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Place exhibit items and text plaques inside a 3D virtual gallery.
  • Developing: Code teleportation portals between different exhibition rooms.
  • Secure: Publish a complete VR Museum featuring interactive audio guides, 3D artifacts, and quizzes.
  • Mastering: Conduct user experience (UX) testing for VR accessibility, performance, and clear navigation. Typing: 30+ WPM.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CD.03.B.1.2

Outcome: SPAT-O-06 โ€” Designing and publishing an interactive Virtual Museum or Exhibition.

PYP: Reflection ยท Shared virtual spaces allow global audiences to explore culture and ideas.

Learner profile: Reflective

Competency tags

  • vr-museum
  • pyp-exhibition
  • virtual-tours
  • webxr

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "What feature allows visitors in a 3D virtual museum to jump instantly from the Egyptian Room to the Space Station Room?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

๐ŸŽ’ Students Home โ†’

Install App for Classroom

One-click fullscreen learning for Chromebooks, iPads & PCs

๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ
Distraction-FreeFullscreen window without browser tabs or search clutter.
โšก
1-Tap LaunchPin directly to the Chromebook shelf, iPad dock, or Windows taskbar.
๐Ÿ“ถ
Classroom SpeedInstant cached loads for lessons and simulators even on school Wi-Fi.
๐Ÿ”’
Safe & Ad-Free100% free, private, and no app store logins or passwords needed.
  1. 1
    Click the Install button

    In your browser, look at the right end of the top web address bar for the ๐Ÿ’ป Install or โค“ icon.

  2. 2
    Confirm "Install"

    A popup will ask if you want to install "Ed Tech Hub". Click Install.

  3. 3
    Pin to your Shelf

    Right-click (or two-finger tap) the app icon in your Chromebook bottom shelf and select "Pin"!