Middle school is a fantastic time to introduce students to more complex 3D printing concepts. At this stage, students are able to handle more independent work and think critically about real-world applications. With Tinkercad’s accessible yet powerful tools, you can engage middle school students in projects that challenge their creativity and problem-solving skills. Here’s how I structure my intermediate 3D printing lessons.
Guided Learning vs. Independent Projects
When I introduce new concepts to intermediate learners, I usually work on a project alongside the students. This hands-on approach helps them understand how I think through a problem and design in real time. Once we complete a project together, I shift toward giving them the autonomy to work on independent assignments.
For example, we might start by creating a working 3D Whistle together. This project allows students to practice key skills like:
1. Shape manipulation
Using rectangles and cylinders to create a stand.
2. Combining objects
Merging shapes to form a single cohesive design.
3. Subtracting
Using the idea of subtraction to remove and change the shape through removing by grouping with a hole shape.
**BONUS: I always provide opportunity for extension
activities
I love this Dice and Meeple (or gamepiece) lesson for the ability to extend this lesson across all subject areas and its practical applications. It is hands down one of my favorite lessons to do with learners of all ages. You can collaborate with a social studies teacher and have students create a game board to go with their dice and meeple. Or you could have them create a dice and meeple that are completely unique after they have completed the lesson with you. The possibilities are truly endless here.
After this guided project, I assign independent tasks where students are encouraged to explore their own interests and ideas.
Researching and Solving Real-World Problems
Once students are comfortable with the basics, I introduce a more challenging, real-world problem-solving project. This is where their creativity can shine. I ask them to think of a problem they encounter in their daily lives and then design something in Tinkercad that can solve that issue.
Some examples include:
Designing an organizer for school supplies – Students must think about the tools they use and how a custom organizer might streamline their work.
Creating a fidget tool for stress relief – This introduces more complex shapes and moving parts while addressing a relevant issue for many middle schoolers.
The beauty of these projects is that students aren’t just making something fun—they’re applying critical thinking to solve real-world problems. Once the designs are finalized, we print them out, and students present their creations to the class, explaining the problem they aimed to solve and how their design addresses it.
Presentation and Feedback
Presentations are an important aspect of the learning process. After printing their projects, students present their work to the class, explaining both their design and the problem they were trying to solve. This step not only reinforces their learning but also helps students build valuable communication skills.
I also provide a feedback loop where students can refine their designs based on peer input. This fosters a sense of collaboration and improves their designs through iteration, a crucial part of any STEM field.
Whether you’re teaching beginners, intermediate, or advanced learners, 3D printing is a powerful way to engage students and build critical problem-solving skills. With the right tools and guidance, students of all ages can create meaningful projects that not only enhance their understanding of technology but also give them a sense of accomplishment. If you’re looking for a structured way to bring 3D printing into your classroom, my 3D printing curriculum is designed to support educators every step of the way. From lesson plans to project ideas, it offers everything you need to inspire your students and foster creativity, no matter their experience level.
