3D Printing Ideas for Students: 16 Useful Projects For The Classroom
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’ve just gotten a 3D printer for your classroom and are looking to get started, you’ve come to the right place! In this article we are going to review some awesome ready to go 3D printing ideas for students that can get you started printing useful 3D prints for the classroom.
We’ve also included an introduction to 3D printing in schools and some beginner tutorials to get started with 3D printing for kids.
What is 3D printing?
3D printing means building a physical object from a digital model. This is done by thinly layering melted plastic to build the object.
3D printers can print useful objects like caps, lids, hooks, and bolts. They can also print toys like fidgets, figurines, and articulated characters. 3D printing is an evolving field and 3D prints are being used for amazing medical inovations like hip replacements and valve repairs. 3D printing is likely to continue to grow over the next decade.
3D Printing Tutorials For Kids
If you are looking to get your students involved in the process of 3D print and design we have created a beginner 3D printing tutorial for just that. Our tutorial consists of a google slides presentation with step by step instructions that will guide your students through the process of designing in 3D with TinkerCad.
Students will create their own custom name tag keychain when they’ve finished our tutorial.
16 Easy 3D Printing Ideas for Students
Sometimes you just want to download an already completed design and hit print. These done for your 3D prints will help your students see just what a 3D printer can print. Not only will students enjoys these awesome 3D printed objects, they will be useful in your classroom too!
3D Printed Pencil Holder
By JamesThePrinter
This woven 3D printed pencil holder is perfect for helping kids keep their desks organized. At the end of the year this pencil holder will make a great souvenir for kids to bring home.
Download and print here.
3D Printed Fraction Blocks
By Andrew_Sink
Teaching fractions just got a whole lot easier! These printable math manipulatives help students visualize fractions easier. With your own 3D printer you can print as many as you need for the classroom.
Download and print here.
3D Reading Bar
By Makers Making Change
Help struggling readers and students with ADHD in your classroom with this simple 3D printed tool. This text isolater helps students focus line by line on the text while reading.
Download and print here.
Reading Support Bar
By Ax
This little tool makes reading and holding a book with one hand a lot easier. Students who love to read will appreciate this little tool.
Download and print here.
Gold Medals
By Murdoc
These custom gold medals are perfect for celebrating your student’s achievements. They would be great as a student of the month prize or to celebrate other successes.
Download and print here.
Desk Mount Headphone Holder
By Beaver
With more and more students using chromebooks and other technology in the classroom, its not uncommon to see headphones at every desk. This desk mount headphone holder will keep your students headphones organized.
Download and print here.
Desk Bag Hook
By PieSupplies
Another simple and incredibly useful design for the classroom! These bag hooks will keep students bags off the floor and organized. This desk bag is also useful for hanging purses at restaurants!
Download and print here.
Find Pairs Matching Game
By Jobla
This matching game is such a unique way to use 3D printing for learning in the classroom. Using the included templates you can create matching quizzes for students to complete.
Download and print here.
Teaching Clock
By phi.gl
I have to admit, with the almost universal use of digital clocks these days, I’m not even sure my own kids can read an analog clock! This 3D printed analog clock model will help kids to learn to read the time on analog clocks. Hold on while I print one quick for my own house!
Download and print here.
Educational Interlocking Blocks
By: DC
These math manipulatives can be used to make equations. Students can practice their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with these unique blocks.
Download and print here.
Classroom Passes
By: bjripp
Keep track of bathroom breaks, library passes and hall passes with these 3D printed passes.
Print and download here.
Expo Marker Set Holder
By: Pdogman
This marker holder will hold 4 expo markers along with a brush and spray. Perfect for organizing your whiteboard area!
Print and download here.
Infinite Fidget Cube
By: DaVinci2000
Fidget toys are all the rage and can be useful for kids with sensory needs in the classroom. These 3D printed fidget toys are the perfect printed fidget toy!
Download and print here.
Frog Dissection Kit
By Makerbot
How cool is this 3D printed frog dissection kit? Skip the gore and 3D print this frog to learn about frog anatomy without the yuck!
Download and print here.
Parallel Line Drawing Tool
By: CodeCreations
This line drawing tool is perfect for music teachers and primary teachers who are teaching printing skills.
Download and print here.
Custom Bubble Wand
By: preealpha
This custom bubble wand is the perfect project for a kindergarten or primary grade class. Who doesn’t love bubbles? This custom wand will make a great souvenir that children can bring home and use again.
Download and print here.
3D Printing + Classroom = Fun
There are so many ways to bring 3D printing to your classroom. Did you try any of the ideas above? Drop us a line in the comments and let us know what you’ve made with your printer thus far!
Kate is mom of two rambunctious boys and a self-proclaimed super nerd. With a background in neuroscience, she is passionate about sharing her love of all things STEM with her kids. She loves to find creative ways to teach kids computer science and geek out about coding and math. She has authored several books on coding for kids which can be found at Hachette UK.
