3D Design, Engineering & Manufacturing Academy – Level 1 (Beginner)

Turn Your Ideas Into Reality!

At STEM Adventures, students don't just learn how to operate a 3D printer—they learn how to design, customize, engineer, and manufacture their own creations!

The 3D Design, Engineering & Manufacturing Academy is an exciting, hands-on program where students discover how ideas become real, physical products. Using 3D design software, creative problem-solving, and modern 3D printing technology, students will develop the skills to turn their imagination into something they can actually build and take home.

Throughout this 8-week program, students will explore the complete product creation process, from developing an idea and designing a 3D model to preparing, printing, assembling, and customizing their finished creations.

Students will learn the fundamentals of 3D printing, understand how printers and materials work, safely operate maker equipment, and discover what makes a successful 3D-printed product.

Using Tinkercad, students will begin learning Computer-Aided Design (CAD), creating basic 3D objects, modifying existing models, and combining multiple components to develop personalized designs.

Each week, students will take on a new hands-on project, gradually building their design skills, technical confidence, creativity, and understanding of engineering and manufacturing.

From Imagination to Creation

As students develop their skills, they'll explore how designers and engineers turn concepts into functional products.

They will learn to:

• Create and customize their own 3D designs.

• Modify existing models and improve their functionality.

• Combine multiple 3D-printed components.

• Experiment with different colors, shapes, and design features.

• Understand how design decisions affect the final printed product.

• Plan projects and use materials and printing resources effectively.

Our goal is to encourage students to think beyond simply printing objects. We want them to become young designers, engineers, and makers who can transform their own ideas into reality.

End-of-Program Student Showcase

Every student will have the opportunity to participate in our exciting Student Showcase Day during the final class.

Students will choose a theme that interests them and develop a collection of 3D-designed and printed creations around that theme. They will have the opportunity to display their work and explain their ideas and creative process to family and friends.

This experience encourages creativity, project planning, storytelling, presentation skills, and pride in their accomplishments.

Who Is This Program For?

The Beginner Class is ideal for:

• Students who are curious about 3D design, engineering, and manufacturing.

• Beginners who want to learn how digital ideas become real objects.

• Students interested in creating and customizing their own 3D designs.

• Young makers who enjoy building, experimenting, and solving problems.

• Returning students who want to strengthen their foundational design and printing skills before progressing to our Intermediate Academy.

Program Details

• Recommended Age: 8+

• Program Duration: 8 weeks

• Number of Sessions: 8 sessions (one meeting per week)

• Session Length: 75 minutes

• Class Size: Maximum of 6 students

• Program Fee: $220

• Printing Credits: 4 credits per week (32 credits total)

• Equipment: Each student receives individual access to a computer and personal 3D printer during class.

Prerequisites: No previous 3D printing or design experience is required. Students should be comfortable using a computer mouse, keyboard, and basic computer navigation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

1. Understand the complete process of turning a digital idea into a physical product.

2. Understand the fundamentals of 3D printing, including printer components, materials, and printing techniques.

3. Safely operate a 3D printer and perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting.

4. Change filament and understand basic printing settings.

5. Explore 3D printing marketplaces and select existing models for customization.

6. Use Tinkercad to create and modify 3D objects using basic CAD principles.

7. Customize designs, combine components, and develop personalized creations.

8. Understand basic product design, engineering, and manufacturing concepts.

9. Plan projects, manage printing resources, and solve design challenges creatively.

10. Prepare and present a themed collection of their own creations during the final Student Showcase.

Program Highlights

• Design & Create: Learn to turn original ideas into 3D models.

• Engineer & Customize: Modify designs, combine components, and explore creative solutions.

• Manufacture Your Creations: Experience the complete 3D printing process and take home projects.

• A New Project Every Week: Complete and bring home exciting creations.

• Individual Equipment: Each student has access to their own computer and 3D printer during class.

• Small Class Environment: Maximum of 6 students for personalized guidance.

• Student Showcase Day: Display and present a personalized collection of creations.

• Certificate of Completion: Every student receives a certificate recognizing their accomplishments.

We offer two Saturday sections. Students can enroll in either session:

Section 1 – Afternoon

- 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Section 2 – Evening

- 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Both sections meet on the following dates:

Equipment & Materials

• STEM Adventures provides each student with an individual computer and 3D printer during class.

• Students do not need to bring their own computers or 3D printing equipment.

• Four printing credits are provided weekly, for a total of 32 credits throughout the program.

Class Size

We maintain small classes with a maximum of six students to ensure individual attention and meaningful hands-on learning.