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geometry in 3 dimensions

Isometric Drawing Tool

Use this interactive mathlet to create dynamic drawings on isometric dot paper. Draw figures using edges, faces, or cubes. You can shift, rotate, color, decompose, and view in 3D or 2D. Start by clicking on the cube to the left. Then place the cube on the grid where you would like it. Move the mouse slightly and another cube will be ready for placement.

Directions:

A HELPFUL HINT: It is best to draw your shape from the back to front and from bottom to top.

There are two ways of moving cubes. (1) You can SELECT and DRAG using the ARROW option. The object will move only in the direction of the 3D axis. (2) Use the unit movement buttons in one direction along the axes. You can click on the top or bottom of these buttons to move forward or backwards in the given direction.

Click on the VIEW button to see (a) Front-Right-Top views, (b) a mat plan, or (c) a 3D view which can be rotated using either the mouse or sliders.

Click on the ERASER button twice to erase all objects drawn.

Use the PAINT BRUSH to color cubes, faces or edges. To color just one face of a cube, use the SHIFT key together with the paint brush.

Use the ROTATE BASE or ROTATE VERTICALLY to rotate your object.

Use the EXPLODE button to change all cubes into faces. If two cubes share a face (i.e., the face is interior to the object), the face is not shown.


This applet is produced by Illuminations, a partnership between the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, NCTM, and the MarcoPolo Education Foundation, MarcoPolo Education Foundation

The mission of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is to provide the vision and leadership necessary to ensure a mathematics education of the highest quality for all students. The NCTM Illuminations Web site is devoted to providing Internet resources to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics in grades pre-K through 12. The views expressed or implied on this Web site, unless otherwise noted, should not be interpreted as official positions of the Council.

© 2000 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics