3D Printing Unit CAD Projects and Activities for Middle School STEM Technology

3D printing is awesome in middle school STEM classes, but it can be overwhelming to introduce your students to new technology. This complete unit will engage and amaze your students as they learn the fundamentals of CAD and 3D printing.

The bundle includes over 100 pages of resources that can be used individually where they fit best within your STEM course or taught in sequence as a 4-week 3D printing unit. 

Grab these lessons today to get back your nights and weekends while knowing your students will be engaged in learning the basics of CAD and 3D printing!

What’s included in the middle school 3D printing and CAD unit?

• Introduction to 3D Printing - In this lesson, students learn key concepts and vocabulary for 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

• Impacts of 3D Printing Research Project - In this project, students research real world applications of 3D printing. Then they create a claim about the potential impacts of 3D printing and justify their claim with evidence from text and video sources.

• Introduction to CAD - In this lesson, students learn about geometric modeling techniques. They explore their CAD program and then create 3D models.

• How to Use a 3D Printer - In this lesson, students learn how to prepare their CAD files for printing. They create their own flipbook that can be used as a future reference tool for exporting CAD files, adjusting 3D printer settings, and adding finishing touches to their 3D printed objects.

• 3D Printer Safety Activities - Teach students about the potential hazards of 3D printing. Then set safety rules and have students apply their new knowledge to evaluate safe and unsafe behavior. Assess student mastery with a quiz.

• 3D Printing Choice Board - Students choose from 9 activities to demonstrate their knowledge of 3D printing and CAD. They can assess their learning with the self-checking pixel art puzzle.

• Keychain STEM Challenge - In this 3D printing project, students design a keychain for a school fundraiser. They use CAD to create their design and print their prototypes.

• Lantern STEM Challenge - In this 3D printing project, students learn about Lantern Festivals and the Lunar New Year. Then they design lanterns that can be illuminated with a battery-powered tea light.

• Cell Phone Stand STEM Challenge - In this 3D printing project, students design a hands-free device stand. They use CAD to create their design and then print and test their prototypes.

• 3D Printing Revolution Movie Guide - This documentary teaches students about real world applications for 3D printing and the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with additive manufacturing. The movie guide includes activities for before, during, and after the video.

Each of the 3D printing resources described above also has:

✔ Printable, Google and Easel versions of the student activities and worksheets

✔ Detailed lesson plans and slideshows for easy lesson facilitation

✔ Easy-to-use grading rubrics and assessments

How can this middle school STEM unit be used in your classroom?

• Teach each lesson in the suggested sequence as a 4-week introduction to 3D printing
• Use the lessons individually where they fit within your existing curriculum
• Leave the lessons as emergency sub plans
• Use the resources as extra credit, holiday break packets, or extension activities

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