Kids always love working on the computer, but they won't stick with a project unless they're having fun. The models in these books are fun to make - they are designs I've seen kids invent on their own in school, and while working with friends. What could be cooler than a house shaped like a rainbow, or designing your own bedroom with framed posters of your favorite singers? 

Shhh, these books are also EDUCATIONAL.

While your kids are busy creating their 3D designs, they are absorbing many of the design concepts taught to architects and artists. Teachers report that SketchUp helps develop both analysical and creative skills. (But you don't have to tell that to your kids.) If your kids are on the computer anyway, give them something to do that's both fun and intellectually stimulating.

Kids like "bite-size" chunks.

These books are not intimidating - each one ranges between 100 and 170 half-size pages. Each page has lots of pictures, and short, easy-to-follow directions. A book can easily share space with a computer on a desk, plus it will lie nearly flat when open.

Kids work independently.

Teachers and students who have used our materials say they are great for self-learning; they are very easy to use, with little or no teacher guidance. Each step of each project is accompanied by a picture, plus a very detailed explanation of what to do and why to do it. Your kids can get started immediately on Page 1 and within minutes will have their first design. 

C o l o r is Cool.

SketchUp is colorful, and so are our materials. Each step of each project has a detailed, full-color, eye-catching picture of what your screen should look like. Large, bright arrows are used to point out icons, window options, and whatever else is important to notice in a picture.

Progress build skills and self-esteem

ModelMetricks starts with the Basics and works up to Advanced projects. Working through a series of project books like this serves two purposes. First, the books proceed in a logical order that builds up knowledge in stages. Second, it gives kids a great sense of accomplishment by completing one level before moving on to the next.

Review pages reinforce.

After you work through 30 or 40 pages, it's easy to forget what you just did. A little reminder helps immensely to reinforce what you've just learned. At the end of each chapter is a bullet-item list of every new concept and tool introduced in that chapter.

Projects are great for all ages.

Kids as young as 8 can start with the Basics Series. But this doesn't mean that a 15-year old will find them too "young." Older kids can master SketchUp using the same approach, they will just take their knowledge farther and faster. (Adults love the books, too, even if they don't admit it to their kids.)

Your girls will love it, too.

Gender equity is an issue close to my own heart, as a woman engineer. These books are perfect for sparking your girls' interest in geometry, modeling, and 3D design. When I see SketchUp in action in schools, the girls are just as engaged (if not more) than the boys. Girls and boys can each produce incredibly creative designs that reflect both geometric accuracy as well as personal tastes. ModelMetricks projects are all gender-neutral, and both boys and girls can easily add their own touches and ideas to their projects.

 SketchUp paves the way to more advanced skills. 

SketchUp design skills lead to a natural interest in more advanced topics, such as 3D animation, geometry, physics, and robotics. In our increasingly technological world, acquiring these skills early gives kids enormous advantages in higher education and career choices.