2.1 3D Model Databases
There are several online repositories and databases of digital 3D models. From historical artifacts to human anatomy, these interactive tools allow students to explore and visualize models in 360 degrees.
Smithsonian Digitization (Historical, Archeological 3D Models)
The Smithsonian Institute has a vast and fascinating collection of over 137 million 3D historical figures. This could come in handy when teaching a History and Ancient Civilizations.
NIH 3D Models (Medical Learning, Human Body)
The National Institute of Health’s 3D Print Exchange is an extensive 3D model library of proteins, anatomy, molecules, bacteria, viruses, and much more. NIH is useful when teaching biology, medicine, neuroscience, or understanding the functionality of prosthetic limbs.
NASA 3D Repository (Satellites, Space Probes and everything Cosmos)
NASA maintains an enormous 3D collection of satellites, craters, instruments, comets, and more. Users can download and print the models in 3D. This site is especially useful when teaching space and the universe.
GrabCAD (Mechanics, Miscellaneous)
GrabCAD is a large online 3D modeling repository made by professional engineers, designers, and STEM students. With over 2 million 3D models of advanced human inventions, GrabCAD continues to grow at a fast pace. GrabCAD is useful when teaching basic and advanced mechanics.
Thingiverse (Miscellaneous)
Another popular online repository, one of the first for crowdsourcing digital 3D models created by the public, is Thingiverse. On this site, you can find things like a lithopane of Martin Luther King, Jr. or an animated flying sea turtle, complete with spinning gears.
These databases are not just for viewing 3D models, you and your students can also download the models on these sites and import them into 3D modeling software to build upon or remix them. There are other databases that are not listed on this site, such as MorphoSource, that we encourage you and your students to explore. On the next page, you’ll learn about the 3D modeling tools you can use to create or remix digital 3D models.
