DeKalb STEM (NFP)

Lesson 1: Introduction to 3D Design & Printing

In this lesson, students will be introduced to 3D design using Tinkercad, a safe, web-based program created specifically for beginners. They will learn how digital designs can be turned into real, physical objects using a 3D printer.

What Students Will Learn

Students will practice fundamental 3D design skills used in engineering, product design, and technology fields:

• Move – reposition shapes on the workplane
• Place – add basic shapes (such as boxes and text) to a design
• Group – combine shapes into a single solid object
• Make a Hole – remove material to create cutouts or letters
• Resize & Align – adjust objects to make designs neat and printable

These skills help students develop spatial thinking and problem-solving in a hands-on way.

Project Overview

For their first project, students will design a name tag or a similar small, personalized item. This project allows them to:

• Type and customize their name
• Choose shapes and layouts
• Learn how to prepare designs properly before printing

Once finished, their designs will be sent to a Bambu 3D printer, where students will see how a digital file becomes a real object layer by layer.

Why This Lesson Matters

• Encourages creativity and boosts confidence with technology
• Introduces real-world STEM skills in an age-appropriate way
• Teaches patience, planning, and attention to detail
• Helps students understand how technology is used to design everyday objects

Safety & Guidance

• Tinkercad is a student-safe platform
• Students are supervised during printing
• No direct handling of hot printer parts by students

By the end of the lesson, students will proudly participate in creating something they designed themselves—an exciting first step into the world of design and engineering! 😊