T1-L12: Isometric Drawing

Name:

Class:

Date:

Folio: pp. 56–60

Outcomes: TE4-DES-01 TE4-PPM-01 Folio pp. 56–60

Learning Intention

We are learning to draw 3D objects using isometric drawing techniques.

Success Criteria

I can explain the 30/120 rule in isometric drawing
I can use the Y method to start an isometric drawing
I can draw simple 3D shapes on isometric dot paper
I can keep parallel lines parallel in my drawings

✎

Do Now

Draw a cube freehand in your folio. Is it easy or hard? Why?

What made it easy or difficult?

📚

Key Vocabulary

Standard: Fill in the definition. | Support: Definitions shown in grey — read and copy into your folio. | Extension: Use each term in a sentence.

Term	Definition	Use in a sentence (Extension)
Isometric	A drawing method meaning ‘equal measure’ — all 3 axes use the same scale
30-degree angle	The angle from horizontal at which isometric axes are drawn
Axis (plural: axes)	A reference line showing direction; isometric drawing has 3 axes
Parallel	Lines that run in the same direction and never meet
3D representation	Showing a three-dimensional object on a flat (2D) surface
Dot paper	Paper with dots in equilateral triangle patterns for accurate isometric drawing

📐

The 30/120 Rule

Isometric drawings follow 3 important rules. For each rule, explain why it matters.

#	Rule	Why does this rule matter?
1	Vertical lines stay vertical
2	Horizontal lines are drawn at 30° from horizontal
3	There are 120° between each axis

📏

Y Method & Box Method (Folio pp. 57–58)

Learn both methods for starting an isometric drawing.

Y Method — 4 Steps

Draw a vertical line (height)
Draw a line going left at 30° (width)
Draw a line going right at 30° (depth)
Complete the 3D shape using parallel lines

Box Method — 3 Steps

Draw a full isometric box (bounding box)
Mark the features of the shape inside the box
Remove unwanted lines to reveal the shape

When would you use each method?

✏

Draw 3 Isometric Shapes (Folio pp. 59–60)

Draw each shape in your folio on isometric dot paper. Tick the checklist as you go.

#	Shape	✓ Used Y method	✓ Vertical lines truly vertical	✓ Parallel lines parallel	✓ Used ruler
1	Rectangular prism 6 × 4 × 5 dots
2	L-shaped block
3	Stepped block

🎨

Rendering — Light and Shadow (Folio p. 60)

Choose your best shape from above. Add rendering to make it look 3D.

Step	Your response
Which shape did you choose?
Where is the light source coming from?
Which face is the highlight (lightest)?
Which face is the mid-tone (medium)?
Which face is the shadow (darkest)?

🔵 Support — Step-by-Step Guided Drawing

Follow these colour-coded axes to start your isometric drawing:

RED = Vertical axis (straight up and down)
BLUE = Left axis (30° going left)
GREEN = Right axis (30° going right)

Focus on simple shapes only. Use the pre-drawn Y template if needed.

Word Bank

isometricverticalparallelaxis dot paper30 degrees120 degrees

🟠 Extension — Challenge Shapes

Try drawing these more complex isometric shapes in your folio:

#	Challenge Shape	Completed? Notes
1	Stepped block / staircase
2	Notched block with cut-out
3	3D block letters of your initials

Research: How are isometric drawings used in video games?

🎫

Exit Ticket — Reflection

1. What are the 3 rules of isometric drawing?

2. How is isometric drawing DIFFERENT from perspective drawing?

3. What method do you use to start an isometric drawing?

✅

Self-Assessment

Success Criteria	Got it 🟢	Nearly there 🟠	Need help 🔴
I can explain the 30/120 rule in isometric drawing	●	●	●
I can use the Y method to start an isometric drawing	●	●	●
I can draw simple 3D shapes on isometric dot paper	●	●	●
I can keep parallel lines parallel in my drawings	●	●	●