Introduction to CAD 1
Grades 8 - 12Some information is not shown until you have an approved application, and logged in with an approved account.
Course Schedule
Dates: 2025-08-12 to 2025-12-11
Cost
Supplies: $0
Expectations and Homework
Prerequisites
Class Supplies Needed
Get in Touch
About the Course
This is CAD 1 (offered Fall 2025) which lays the groundwork for CAD 2 (offered Spring 2026).
This STEM* course will introduce students to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) using the web-based SketchUp 3-D modeling software. SketchUp will allow students interested in computer-based design, architecture, engineering, or construction to visualize their ideas in a 3-D model. Class sessions will include both instruction and demonstrations of the software by the instructor, as well as opportunities for students to conceptualize and model design projects.
Students will be given a broad view of how the software can be used by private, commercial, or official entities to realize projects, products, and infrastructure. A variety of design projects will provide students with experience in some of the many ways CAD is used. Projects will include rendering models for product design, interior and architectural design, construction/remodeling, and site planning.
CAD software is an industry necessity used to create 3-D models for engineering and architectural models, interior and landscape design, urban planning, woodworking, prototyping for fabrication, virtual environments, movie set designs, 3-D printing, and more. Familiarity with CAD’s capabilities will be a valuable addition to your student’s skill set.
*This course, along with CAD 2 in the second semester, satisfies the Indiana new graduation requirement for a 2 credit STEM course.
Class minimum of 4 students. Grades available upon request. Payment may be made by check or Venmo.
My wife Kristen's Venmo:
SketchUp Web Link (Here is the web-based program we will be using if you would like to take a look around.)
Intro Video for SketchUp Web (Note: This links to a YouTube video. While I have watched the entire video for content, I can't control what other videos may show up in the "Next Up" tab or at the end of the video. View at your own discretion.)
Registration
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About Robert
I have lived in Southern Indiana for almost 45 years and have been married to my dear wife for 26 years. God has blessed us with two wonderful children that my wife has homeschooled from kindergarten.
I was blessed to grow up in a loving, Christian home in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. I graduated from Portland Christian High School, and in 2000, I graduated from Spalding University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. A couple months after graduating, I began teaching at Thomas Jefferson Elementary in Greater Clark County Schools, where I remained for the next 20 years.
During my teaching career I taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade all-subject classrooms and K-5th technology classes. During this time, I also piloted the Engineering is Elementary program sponsored by Raytheon. I really enjoyed this opportunity and was able to teach aerospace, structural, and transportation engineering to 3rd-5th grades. I also curated a virtual drive where I shared hundreds of self-created teaching resources with over 200 educators worldwide.
Due to medical complications I had to resign in 2020 after teaching for 20 years. God has taught me so much in this interim, and it was during this time that my faith and my relationship with Jesus Christ was tested and became much deeper. I am so excited to be able to teach in an environment where the most important lessons I can teach, my faith, will not be censored.
My hobbies include reading, drawing, writing, CAD, board games, gaming, and hiking. I am also in the process of finishing a novel I hope to publish.