3D printing has gone from science fiction to classroom reality remarkably quickly, and our new 3D Design and Printing workshop gives students the chance to design, iterate, and create physical objects from their own digital models. Using TinkerCad — a free, browser-based CAD tool — students work through a structured design challenge that builds genuine skills in spatial reasoning, creative problem-solving, and digital design.
The Design Challenge
Rather than letting students loose with no direction (which sounds fun but usually ends in frustration), we use a Football Trophy design challenge. It gives enough structure to keep students focused while leaving plenty of room for creativity. Students design their trophy in TinkerCad, thinking through dimensions, proportions, and structural integrity before sending their design to print.
The process matters as much as the product. Students learn to think critically about their designs: Will this actually stand up? Is this section too thin to print? How do I combine these shapes to get what I’m imagining? That kind of iterative, practical thinking is exactly what the Design and Technology curriculum asks for.
Why 3D Design Matters for Schools
CAD skills sit at the intersection of several curriculum areas. In Design and Technology, students need to use computer-aided design as part of the design process. In Computing, 3D modelling develops spatial reasoning and algorithmic thinking. In Maths, working with 3D shapes, measurements, and coordinates becomes tangible rather than abstract.
Beyond the curriculum links, there’s a broader point. 3D printing and CAD are increasingly standard tools in engineering, architecture, product design, and manufacturing. Giving students an early introduction isn’t just enrichment — it’s preparation.
What Makes Our Workshop Different
- We bring everything. Laptops, 3D printers, materials — your school doesn’t need any equipment.
- Every student designs. This isn’t a demonstration. Every child creates their own digital model.
- Real prints, real feedback. Students see selected designs printed during the session, giving them immediate, tangible feedback on their work.
- Differentiated for ability. The challenge scales from simple shape combinations to complex multi-part designs.
The workshop is available for KS2 and KS3 and pairs well with our other hands-on workshops — schools often combine it with a robotics session for a full day of STEM. Full details, including curriculum links and session structure, are on the 3D Design and Printing workshop page. If you’ve been wanting to bring CAD into your school but haven’t had the kit or the expertise, this is a good place to start.
