This engaging, hands-on course introduces students to the exciting world of 3D printing. Designed for elementary and middle school learners, the course covers the fundamentals of 3D printing technology, including how 3D printers work, where they are used in industry and society, and the basics of digital design.

 

Students will learn to create their own 3D models using TinkerCAD, modify and export them for printing, and complete real-world design challenges such as keyrings, phone stands, and desk organizers. The course culminates in a final assessment and the opportunity to 3D print a student-designed object. By the end of the course, students will have successfully designed and 3D printed an object of their own, reinforcing their understanding of CAD (Computer Aided Design), CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), and the coordinate systems that drive 3D printing.

 

What Students Will Learn:

• How 3D printers function and where they are used

• Basics of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)

• Working with X, Y, and Z coordinates in 3D modeling

• Using TinkerCAD to design, customize, and prepare models for printing

• Slicing models using Flashpoint software for 3D printing

• Problem-solving through tiered design challenges

 

This course is ideal for students looking to explore the creative and technical possibilities of 3D printing in an accessible, structured way.