Cart 0
Grants & Funding News/Blog Free Curriculum Samples Model Grant Application
STEM All-In-One Solution (You Teach) Certified STEM Instructors (We Teach) After School & OST Summer Programs Reviews & Case Studies Professional Development
NWS Course Catalog 3D Printing Artificial Intelligence Literacy Innovation & Entrepreneurship Renewable Energy Cybersecurity Robotics Smart Automation Drones & Pilot Certification Game Design Hydroponics STEM Equipment Kits
Our Story Our Mission and Vision Schools & Districts Commitment to Equity Careers
Cart 0
 

 3D Printing STEM Education Courses

 

Engage, excite, and inspire students
through hands-on 3-D Printing experiences.

 
Middle school kid_white_3d printing_smaller.jpg


Learning 3D printing at NextWave STEM gives a new way to experience and explore technology, creativity, and problem-solving. Our programs are equipped with an innovative curriculum, including the integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), prototyping, and engineering principles into immersive, hands-on experiences. 

We have mindfully designed various compatible 3D printing courses suitable for different age groups, with foundational design thinking for young learners and industry-aligned 3D applications for high school students. This learning experience is a wonderful gateway to careers in advanced manufacturing, architecture, and biomedical engineering. 

Equip students with the skills of tomorrow. Place an order for a suitable session today at Next Wave STEM: Where Education Meets Innovation!

 What is 3D Printing?

3D Printing has been around for about 30 years, but the focus on it has skyrocketed in the last ten years. That has more to do with how the world has shifted to using more technology by the day.

What is 3D Printing anyway? Well, it’s the art of adding layers using heated glue and creating an object. It sounds simple, and its application is even simpler! A 3D printer helps in dispensing out liquid glue through which you can create different objects.

The other name for 3D Printing is additive manufacturing which uses a filament (another name for glue stick) for the layers.

Who Can Learn 3D Printing?

At NextWaveSTEM®, we offer 3D Printing STEM Education covering 3D Design, Development, and Technology courses for kids and professional development for teachers.

Grades K-2

Create & Construct: Early Engineering Adventures

Grades 3-5

Discovery of 3D Design:
Using Tinkercad

Introduce young learners to hands-on engineering principles and spatial reasoning through an exploration of 3D shapes, materials, size and scale, art, and prototyping with hands-on, fun activities made to engage and teach.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements:

Playdough, Cardboard sheets and tubes, basic craft clay, recyclables (plastic bottles, paper tubes, etc.), simple measuring tools, templates for cutting, miscellaneous craft supplies, 3D Doodlers.

Optional: Tinkercad if desired

Beginner learners answer the questions, “What is Computer-Aided Design?” and “How does it work with 3D Printing?” Students will learn how to build and modify designs through Tinkercad and use Thingiverse to download items for print.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Creality Ender 3 3D Printer®, filament, Tinkercad (free software download), Chromebooks, iPads, or PC/Mac computers

Grades 6-8

Exploration of 3D Development:
Using Tinkercad

Students answer questions such as, “What is the Engineering Design process?” and “How can I use it to design in 3D printing for a purpose?” In this course, students explore the applications, technical requirements, and limitations of 3D printing.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Creality Ender 3 3D Printer®, filament, Tinkercad (free software download), Chromebooks, iPads, or PC/Mac computers

Grades 9-12

Creation and Evaluation of
3D Technology: For the Real World

In this STEM course designed for high schoolers, students will analyze the functions of a 3D printer and engage in the Engineering Design process to design and produce physical objects to solve real-world problems.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Creality Ender 3 3D Printer®, filament, Tinkercad (free software download), Chromebooks, iPads, or PC/Mac computers

Why 3D Printing?

Why should we learn and teach 3-D printing? 3D printing technology has quickly evolved to be essential to many different fields of interest including medicine, art, construction, and more. In these courses, students will be given an opportunity to let their imagination shine using 3D technology to bring their ideas to life.

3-D printing is easy to teach! Learn below how you can bring 3-D printing to your school.

Read: Experiential Learning Through 3D Printing


Why Children Must Learn 3D Printing Course

Develops spatial and design thinking

3D printing strengthens spatial intelligence by helping students visualize and manipulate objects in a three-dimensional space. This skill is critical for engineering, architecture, and medical imaging, where precise spatial awareness is essential. For instance, through CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, students learn to think geometrically, improving their ability to understand proportions, symmetry, and perspective—key competencies in STEM careers.

Provides hands-on STEM learning

Unlike traditional STEM education, which relies majorly on theoretical learning, a 3D program offers interactive, project-based experiences. It gives students a chance to move from concept to creation, designing objects, printing prototypes, and refining their work based on real-world feedback. This engagement in experiential learning enhances retention, encourages creativity, and makes abstract STEM principles tangible and applicable.

Builds technical and engineering skills

With industries rapidly adopting 3D printing for product development, prototyping, and manufacturing, children exposed to this technology gain a competitive advantage. They develop foundational skills in digital fabrication, material science, and mechanical engineering, which makes them early adopters of the industry’s cutting-edge technologies. Learning CAD software like Tinkercad also lays the groundwork for advanced design and programming skills needed in engineering and industrial design.

Boosts critical thinking and analysis

Designing and printing 3D models isn’t just about creativity, it’s about logical reasoning, troubleshooting, and iteration. Students must assess their designs for structural integrity, efficiency, and feasibility, learning to analyze and refine their work through trial and error. This fail-fast, learn-fast approach mirrors real-world engineering, where professionals constantly optimize designs for efficiency and durability.

Encourages teamwork and collaboration

Many real-world innovations are born through teamwork, and 3D printing fosters collaborative problem-solving. In group projects, students brainstorm ideas, assign roles, and refine designs together, simulating workplace dynamics. This team-oriented environment enhances communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, a crucial asset in STEM careers.

Prepares for future career opportunities

3D printing is shaping high-demand fields such as engineering, healthcare, aerospace, architecture, and even fashion. By learning 3D printing early, students develop technical literacy and design thinking—skills that future employers will seek. With 3D printing already used in bioprinting organs, constructing buildings, and manufacturing customized prosthetics, today’s students could be the pioneers of tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

 How Can I Bring 3D Printing to My School?

Anyone can teach 3D Printing! With all NextWaveSTEM® courses, Curriculum & LMS Access, Equipment Kits, and Student Connection Materials are included. The only thing left to decide is whether you want to teach the course or you want a NextWaveSTEM® certified mentor to teach.

Our All-In-One STEM curriculum, equipment and professional development make it easy for you to excite and inspire students through hands-on STEM experiences.

Perfect for schools needing:
- STEM equipment & curriculum
- Professional development

NWS sends trained teachers to your school, during or after school, or for summer programming. They bring the hands-on STEM curriculum, the equipment and the fun!

Perfect for schools needing:
- Schools needing STEM resources
- After-school or enrichment classes

FAQs

  • Product Design: Working on prototypes and consumer products in various industries.

    Engineering: Applying 3D printing in mechanical, aerospace, biomedical, and civil engineering for creating parts and components.

    Architecture: Developing detailed architectural models and designs.

    Healthcare: Creating custom prosthetics, dental implants, and surgical models.

    Fashion Design: Designing innovative clothing, accessories, and footwear.

    Education: Teaching 3D printing techniques and applications within school settings.

    Art and Sculpture: Artists using 3D printing to create unique artworks and installations.

  • No, students do not need extensive prior technical knowledge to begin with 3D printing. Introductory courses are structured to provide foundational knowledge, making it easy for beginners to engage with the technology.

  • Yes, training materials for 3D printing are tailored for educational environments. In our 3D school, they include lesson plans, hands-on projects, and assessments that meet current educational standards.

  • Yes, numerous after-school programs focus specifically on 3D printing. Our programs encourage students to explore technology and creativity in a less formal setting compared to regular classroom hours.

  • 3D printing is integral to STEM education as it enhances critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It allows students to apply theoretical concepts within a hands-on context, connecting scientific principles with technology, engineering, and mathematics.

  • In courses about 3D printing, commonly used software includes:

    Tinkercad: A beginner-friendly platform ideal for new users. We use Tinkercad for grades 3-8, providing an accessible introduction to 3D design. 

    Fusion 360: This software is designed for grades 9-12, Fusion 360 offers advanced design capabilities and is widely utilized in manufacturing. This integration provides students with a valuable Career and Technical Education (CTE) component, enhancing their real-world skills in engineering and design.

    Astroprint: We offer this cloud-based platform to facilitate the seamless transfer of 3D design files for printing. It streamlines the workflow, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in the 3D printing process.

    Blender and SketchUp: Alternative software options depending on the course level and objectives.

  • 3D printing fosters creativity by allowing students to:

    Prototype their ideas and see them come to life.

    Experiment with various designs and make iterative changes easily.

    Personalize their projects to reflect their unique styles and perspectives.

    Collaborate with peers, promoting teamwork and innovative problem-solving.