Educator Tools

3D models are great educational resources as they allow students and teachers not only to see historic objects, but also rotate and view them from different angles. They are highly interactive, more engaging than traditional flat 2D images, allow the “manipulation” of unique and fragile artifacts that might be exhibited far away, and they also allow you to scale objects that otherwise would not be visible without the use of special tools, e.g. exploded stars, cells, or bacteria.

The vast Smithsonian 3D collections found on this website can be easily added to many of your existing teaching tools to enhance the learning experience. Below you will find videos showing you how to link and embed these experiences in several popular teaching software. The videos are available in English and Spanish.

These instructions were developed by DC public school teacher Miguel Pinto in collaboration with the Smithsonian's 3D program.

How to use a Smithsonian 3D model in Canvas

Instructions

  1. Visit 3d.si.edu on your browser
  2. Click “Collections” on top right
  3. Select collection and object of choice
  4. Click “Share Experience” icon>
  5. Copy entire HTML code
  6. Navigate to Canvas
  7. Select class
  8. Select “Modules” in left hand menu
  9. Click top right “+” icon to create new Assignment
  10. Give it a name
  11. Add item
  12. Open Assignment 
  13. Click “edit” in top right
  14. In text editor select “More”
  15. Click cloud icon to embed
  16. Paste code you copied
  17. Click “Submit”

How to use a Smithsonian 3D model in Padlet

Instructions

  1. Visit 3d.si.edu on your browser
  2. Click “Collections” on top right
  3. Select collection and object of choice
  4. Navigate to Padlet
  5. Click “+” icon on bottom left
  6. Click orange “Link” icon
  7. Click “Share Experience” icon 
  8. Copy URL link within code
  9. Paste link in Padlet
  10. Press arrow icon
  11. Give it a name
  12. Click publish once fully uploaded

Example

Made with Padlet

How to use a Smithsonian 3D model in Genially

Instructions

  1. Visit 3d.si.edu on your browser
  2. Click “Collections” on top right
  3. Select collection and object of choice
  4. Click “Share Experience” icon
  5. Copy entire HTML code
  6. Navigate to Genial.ly 
  7. Select “Interactive Image"

1st option

  • Click “Insert” in left-hand menu 
  • Select “Others”
  • Paste code in “External Content” window

2nd option

  • Select “Interactive Elements” in left-hand menu
  • Place icon of choice on page 
  • Select tool for interactivity
  • Select “Window” or “Tooltip” 
  • Select “Code View” in text editor menu
  • Paste code
  • Give element a name 
  • Save 

Example

How to use a Smithsonian 3D model in Google Maps

Instructions

  1. Log into Gmail
  2. Navigate to Google Drive
  3. Click “Create New”
  4. Select “More” at bottom
  5. Select “Google My Maps”  
  6. Select desired Base Map (Satellite View is recommended)
  7. Visit 3d.si.edu on your browser
  8. Click “Collections” on top right
  9. Select collection and object of choice
  10. Click “Share Experience” icon
  11. Copy URL link 
  12. On Google Maps search desired location
  13. Click “+” icon in left-hand menu to add marker 
  14. Click edit 
  15. Paste URL link
  16. Add thumbnail image by clicking camera icon
  17. Click paint bucket to change color of icon

Example