Introduction

Most people say there are two ways to create digital 3D Models

  1.  Manually, using CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D Modeling software/apps – and
  2.  By scanning real-world objects with a camera or other scanning equipment to automatically interpret them into 3D Models.

But there's a third way to create 3D Models - you can CODE them.
  
  Coding to create 3D Models

You can write a program which gives the computer commands which creates 3D objects.

Overview of BlocksCAD

BlocksCAD is a block programming tool - similar to those used to scratch, kodu, pictoblox etc.  - which has commands and tools to create 3D Objects and is super easy to learn for kids or adults. It is available on the web, through your browser, so no programs to download and it is very friendly for Chromebooks.

BlocksCAD was developed by the Massachusetts-based Einsteins Workshop - a learning organization for kids. It combines aspects of doing simple programming (aka coding) with aspects of simple 3D Modeling. The results of BlocksCAD code are 3D Models which can be downloaded in .STL format for 3D Printing or for use in other programs which import .STL files (almost all do).