Two Ways to Learn
Learn with our Project
We offer a fun step-by-step project for beginners using the free, web-based program Tinkercad!
Keep scrolling to learn more! |
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Learn with 3rd Parties
Our priority is your learning! There are lots of great resources to learn 3D printing around the web. Check out these other free ways to learn.
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Learn with Us
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Build a 3D Box in Tinkercad
Use award-winning and kid-friendly 3D modeling program Tinkercad to design and build a personalized 3D box! In this easy video tutorial series, we'll earn how to create objects, hollow them out, measure for a tight-fitting lid, engrave your own graphics, prepare for 3D printing, and much more!
Check out some of some of our amazing kids' work to the right! We love how our students customized their individual boxes and even entered them in local STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) competitions! Congratulations to our hardworking kids! Our videos are always free, easy to follow, short, and kid-friendly! Click below to start creating! |
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Learn with Others
We're not the only ones who know a thing or two about 3D printing.
Check out the below programs to learn even more!
Check out the below programs to learn even more!
Also, check out Thingiverse and Shapeways for 3D printing options and inspiration!
3D Slash |
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Level: Beginner
Cost: Free with upgraded premium and school plans also available Platform: Web-based (no download required); 3D Slash App (which is more powerful than the web version) is also available for download for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi Features: Building block workflow similar to Minecraft; view designs in VR mode; project pictures and text on models for engraving; send designs to online 3D printing services; integrated with Google Drive Learning Resources: Video Tutorials and Hands-on Workshops Website: www.3dslash.net |
Tinkercad |
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Level: Beginner
Cost: Free Platform: Web-based (no download required) Features: Tinkercad is perhaps the most widely-used 3D modeling app for kids. Made by industry leader Autodesk, Tinkercad is free, web-based, and incredibly easy to start using. Tinkercad is teacher and student friendly with ready made tutorials, project ideas, and the ability to share designs. Tinkercad Classroom allows teachers to add students, view and edit student designs, and curate public gallery content for their students. In addition to 3D modeling, Tinkercad also specializes in teaching electronics and coding skills. Learning Resources: Tinkercad's Starters, Lessons, and Projects Website: www.tinkercad.com |
Homestyler |
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Level: Beginner to Pro
Cost: Free Platform: Web-based (no download required); Mobile app also available on Apple Store and Google Play Features: Who says 3D modeling is just for printable objects? Made by industry leader, Autodesk, Homestyler is an excellent tool for all ability levels to design and create 3D interior spaces. Homestyler provides users accurate room measurements, 2D and 3D options, real furniture from online sellers to place in your spaces, and the ability to walk-through your space in photo-realistic panoramic views. Users have a variety of sign-in options including connecting to a Google account (signing in is optional and only needed to save designs), and the platform is available in multiple languages. Learning Resources: Homestyler's Tutorials (also on their YouTube channel) and this Ms. Computer Teacher approved YouTube Playlist Website: www.homestyler.com |
SketchUp |
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Level: Beginner to Pro
Cost: Free with more advanced paid plans available Platform: Web-based (no download required); a more advanced version is available via download for Windows or Mac Features: SketchUp (formerly owned by Google) is an industry leader in 3D modeling and rendering. Perhaps it is most widely used to render 2D and 3D architectural and engineering drawings, but it is also capable of designing and modeling for smaller projects such as a custom furniture build. SketchUp offers Shop, Pro and Studio versions for the professionals, but also offers SketchUp for Schools for primary and secondary schools which includes in-app lesson plans and integration with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Learning Resources: SketchUp's YouTube Channel; SketchUp Campus (can download exercise files and sign in to keep track of progress) (start with this SketchUp Fundamentals course); and the project-based SketchUp for School's Curriculum Website: www.sketchup.com |
Blender |
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Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Cost: Free Platform: Download required; available for Windows, Mac, and Linux Features: More than just a 3D modeling software, Blender is the ultimate open-source and free software program for 3D modeling, animation, rigging, sculpting, rendering, video editing, and much more. Although it's interface may seem a little intimidating at first (pros use it), you'll use only about 20% of the features most of the time. Check out the free, beginner level tutorials below and get started creating 3D models, animations, gaming graphics, and more! Learning Resources: First Steps with 2.8 (by Blender); Learn Blender 2.8 - The Basics Tutorial (by CG Cookie); and Blender Guru's Beginner Level Tutorial Series (YouTube) Website: www.blender.org |