Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson introduces students to Paint 3D, focusing on its purpose and the tools available for creating 3D models. Ensure all digital devices have Paint 3D installed and are functional for practical demonstration and student activity. Emphasise hands-on exploration of the interface and tools. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to confidently identify and use basic Paint 3D features to create simple 3D images.
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Digital Technologies
Curriculum Theme: Basic computer operations
Focal competence: Using simple modelling application
Key competencies/values: Creativity and innovation; Information literacy
Skills:
- Using 3D modelling to create images
Previous Lesson: Meaning of 3D Modelling and Paint 3D, Paint 3D and Meaning and Uses of 3D Modelling
Topic: 3D Modelling With Paint 3D: Purpose Of Paint 3D
Subject Matter: Purpose of Paint 3D, Tools for 3D modelling, Elements of Paint 3D user interface
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- state the purpose of Paint 3D;
- identify the elements of Paint 3D user interface;
- describe 3D modelling and its uses.
Psychomotor Domain
- create a simple 3D image;
- draw straight lines, multiple lines and curves using the application.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- Digital Technologies for Junior Secondary Schools 1
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Digital devices (computers, laptops, tablets) installed with Paint 3D
- Internet Access (for demonstration if needed)
- Projector or interactive whiteboard (optional, for whole-class display)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D modelling using Paint 3D, a user-friendly application. Understanding Paint 3D helps students develop essential digital creativity skills and provides a foundation for more advanced graphic design and 3D animation concepts. It encourages innovation and practical application of digital tools.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students should have basic computer operation skills, including opening applications, using a mouse or trackpad, and understanding common graphical user interface elements.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
3D Modelling With Paint 3D: Purpose Of Paint 3D
Purpose of Paint 3D
Paint 3D is a creative application that allows users to create and manipulate 3D objects and scenes easily. Its main purposes include:
- Creating 3D Models: It enables users to design and build three-dimensional shapes and objects from scratch or by modifying existing ones.
- Editing 2D Images: While primarily for 3D, it also offers tools for basic 2D image editing and drawing.
- Adding 3D Effects to 2D Images: Users can combine 2D images with 3D objects to create mixed-reality scenes.
- Easy Sharing: It facilitates sharing created 3D models and scenes with others, often integrated with online communities.
- Educational Tool: It serves as an excellent introductory tool for learning about 3D design concepts due to its intuitive interface.
Description of 3D Modelling and its Uses
3D modelling is the process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object (either inanimate or living) via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model.
Uses of 3D modelling include:
- Gaming: Creating characters, environments, and objects for video games.
- Animation and Film: Designing characters, props, and special effects for movies and animated series.
- Architecture: Visualizing building designs and interior layouts.
- Engineering: Prototyping and designing products, machinery, and components.
- Medical Imaging: Creating detailed models of organs and body parts for study and surgical planning.
- Product Design: Developing new products and packaging.
Elements of Paint 3D User Interface
The Paint 3D user interface includes several key elements:
- Menu Bar: Contains options like New, Open, Save, Share, and Print.
- Toolbar: Located at the top, it provides access to various tools such as Brushes, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, Stickers, Text, Effects, Canvas, and Magic Select.
- Canvas: The main working area where 2D and 3D objects are created and manipulated.
- Sidebar/Panel: Appears on the right side, displaying options and settings specific to the selected tool (e.g., brush type, colour, thickness).
- View Cube: Allows users to change the viewing angle of the 3D canvas.
- Undo/Redo Buttons: For reversing or re-applying actions.
Tools for 3D Modelling in Paint 3D
Paint 3D offers various tools to create and manipulate 3D objects:
- 3D Shapes: This tool allows users to create basic 3D objects like cubes, spheres, cones, cylinders, and capsules. It also includes a 3D doodle tool for freehand 3D drawing.
- 3D Doodle:
- Sharp Edge 3D Doodle: Used to draw 3D objects with straight, sharp edges.
- Soft Edge 3D Doodle: Used to draw 3D objects with smooth, rounded edges.
- Brushes: Although primarily for 2D, brushes can be used to add textures and colours to 3D objects.
- Stickers: Allows applying 2D images as textures onto 3D models.
- Text: Enables adding 2D or 3D text to the scene.
- Magic Select: An intelligent tool that helps to quickly select and cut out parts of a 2D image to turn them into 3D objects.
- Rotation and Movement Controls: Tools to rotate, resize, and move 3D objects in the X, Y, and Z axes.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Practical Activity, Individual Practice
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks students if they have ever seen 3D images or models in games or movies and what they think 3D means. The teacher then introduces Paint 3D as a tool for creating such models.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and share their understanding of 3D concepts.
Learning Point: Introduction to 3D concepts
Step 2: Exploring Paint 3D Interface
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher projects Paint 3D and demonstrates how to open it. The teacher then guides students to explore the main elements of the Paint 3D user interface, pointing out the menu bar, toolbar, canvas, and sidebar. (Activity 1)
Pupils’ Activity: Students open Paint 3D on their devices and observe the teacher’s demonstration, identifying the interface elements.
Learning Point: Paint 3D interface identification
Step 3: Discussing Purpose of Paint 3D
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the purpose of Paint 3D, explaining its primary functions in creating and manipulating 3D objects, editing 2D images, and combining them. (Activity 2)
Pupils’ Activity: Students participate in the discussion, asking questions and contributing ideas on the uses of Paint 3D.
Learning Point: Purpose of Paint 3D
Step 4: Describing 3D Modelling and Uses
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines 3D modelling and explains its importance in various fields such as gaming, animation, architecture, and engineering, providing relevant examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively and take mental notes on the definition and uses of 3D modelling.
Learning Point: 3D modelling definition/uses
Step 5: Identifying 3D Modelling Tools
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the “3D Shapes” tool, “3D Doodle” (sharp and soft edge), and other relevant tools in Paint 3D, explaining their functions for creating 3D objects. The teacher shows how to select and use these tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration and identify the various 3D modelling tools on their own devices.
Learning Point: Identification of 3D tools
Step 6: Practical Application – Creating Simple 3D Images and Lines
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to practically use the “3D Shapes” and “3D Doodle” tools to create simple 3D images. The teacher also demonstrates how to draw straight lines, multiple lines, and curves using appropriate tools within Paint 3D.
Pupils’ Activity: Students follow the teacher’s instructions to create simple 3D images and practice drawing different types of lines in Paint 3D.
Learning Point: Creating simple 3D images
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- State two purposes of Paint 3D.
- Mention three elements of the Paint 3D user interface.
- Describe 3D modelling and give one of its uses.
- Which tool would you use to draw a 3D cube in Paint 3D?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Assessment of understanding
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the purpose of Paint 3D, 3D modelling, and its tools into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson information
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the importance of Paint 3D for creative 3D design and encourages students to continue exploring its features at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and prepare for the next lesson.
Learning Point: Lesson summary and encouragement
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework/Practice Exercise
Instruction: Using Paint 3D on your device, perform the following tasks:
- Create a simple 3D house using basic 3D shapes (e.g., cube for walls, pyramid for roof).
- Draw a 3D wavy line using the “Soft Edge 3D Doodle” tool.
- Take a screenshot of your creations and save them in a folder named “My 3D Creations”.
Lesson Keywords
- Paint 3D – A Microsoft application for creating and manipulating 3D objects and scenes.
- 3D Modelling – The process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object using specialized software.
- User Interface (UI) – The visual elements and interactive components of a software application.
- Canvas – The main working area in Paint 3D where designs are created.
- 3D Shapes – Pre-defined three-dimensional objects like cubes, spheres, and cylinders available in Paint 3D.
- 3D Doodle – A tool in Paint 3D for drawing freehand 3D objects with either sharp or soft edges.
Differentiation
For struggling learners: Provide step-by-step written instructions or a simplified checklist for creating a simple 3D image. Pair them with more proficient students for peer support during practical activities. Focus on identifying just the main tools and creating one basic 3D shape.
For advanced learners: Challenge them to explore additional tools like “Magic Select” or “Stickers” to add more detail to their 3D creations. Encourage them to experiment with different lighting effects and textures within Paint 3D.
Suggested Lesson Videos
For further understanding and visual demonstration, search on YouTube for: Paint 3D tutorial for beginners JSS 1
Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan
Before the lesson, ensure all computers or digital devices have Paint 3D installed and are in good working condition. Test the projector or interactive whiteboard if you plan to use one for demonstrations. Begin by engaging students with questions about 3D objects to activate prior knowledge. Clearly demonstrate each tool and interface element before allowing students to practice. During the practical activity, circulate around the classroom to provide individual support and address any technical issues. Emphasise safety when handling digital devices. Students should copy the Board Summary notes after the practical application and evaluation to consolidate their learning. Encourage creativity and exploration while ensuring they meet the basic objectives of identifying tools and creating simple 3D forms. Check for understanding frequently through questions and observation of their practical work.

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