Young Designers: First Steps in 3D Printing
Saturday, April 18 | 9:30 - 11:00 AM | Grades 4+

Ready to turn your ideas into real objects? In this beginner-friendly MakerClass, students will learn the basics of 3D design and printing using TinkerCAD, a simple and powerful tool used by designers, engineers, and makers around the world.

Students will explore how to build 3D models by combining shapes, resizing objects, and adding text as they design a custom nameplate or zipper pull. Along the way, they will learn how digital designs are prepared for a 3D printer and see how printers create objects layer by layer.

This class is designed especially for 4th graders and up, giving students an exciting introduction to digital design, creative problem-solving, and modern maker technology.

Students will learn how to:

• Navigate the basics of TinkerCAD

• Build and modify simple 3D shapes

• Turn text into a 3D object

• Prepare a design for 3D printing

• Understand how 3D printers turn digital models into real objects

Each student’s custom zipper pull will be 3D printed after the class, as printing can take time. Finished prints will be available for pickup at Area 59 at a later date.

No prior experience is required. All equipment and materials are provided.