3D Design and Fabrication (3D Printing) – K–12 Curriculum

Spatial Thinking and Shapes

Objects and Parts

Design Thinking Basics

Sketching Design Ideas

Introduction to 3D Printing

Beginner Digital Modeling

Creating Simple Objects

First Prototype Activity

Shapes in Everyday Objects

Building with Blocks

Identifying Object Forms

Combining Shapes

Drawing Objects

Creative Model Building

Exploring Object Size and Form

Invention Drawing

Model Creation Activity

My First Creation Project

Review of Basic Shapes

Flat Shapes vs Solid Shapes

Introduction to 3D Shapes

Objects Built from Shapes

Drawing Objects Using Shapes

Creative Shape Designs

Model Building with Clay

Introduction to Design Ideas

Observing 3D Printing

Simple Model Project

Shapes Used in Objects

Parts of Everyday Objects

Combining Shapes to Build Tools

Drawing Functional Objects

Simple Design Thinking

Improving Designs

Model Building with Materials

Observing Printed Objects

Testing Simple Models

Classroom Problem Design Project

What is Design

Steps of the Design Process

Identifying Problems Around Us

Sketching Design Ideas

Object Analysis

Introduction to Digital Shapes

Observing the 3D Printing Process

Evaluating Object Designs

Improving Design Ideas

Simple Design Project

Introduction to 3D Design Software

Creating Digital Shapes

Moving and Scaling Objects

Combining Shapes in CAD

Designing Simple Digital Objects

Personalized Object Design

Preparing Files for Printing

Observing First Prints

Evaluating Printed Designs

Beginner Digital Design Project

Advanced Shape Manipulation

Complex Digital Objects

Designing Useful Tools

Personalized Product Design

Preparing Files for Printing

Printing Student Designs

Prototype Testing

Improving Digital Models

Design Presentation

Functional Design Project

Design Principles and Aesthetics in 3D Objects

Advanced Boolean Operations and Complex Subtractions

Designing for a Specific User and Context

Multi-Component Assemblies and Fit Tolerances

Designing with Constraints: Size, Weight, and Material Limits

Applying Design Thinking to a Real School Problem

Preparing a Design Brief and Client Specifications

Refining and Iterating a Design Based on Feedback

File Management and Version Control for Design Projects

Grade 6 Capstone: Functional Object Design Project

Mechanical Systems and Simple Machines

Joints and Connections — Fixed, Hinged, and Sliding

Gears and Gear Ratios

Interlocking Components and Snap Fits

Structural Analysis — Why Shapes Hold or Fail

Designing Mechanical Parts for 3D Printing

Multi-Part Mechanical Assembly Design

Testing Mechanical Prototypes

Iterating a Mechanical Design Based on Test Data

Grade 7 Capstone: Mechanical Device Project

Lesson 1 — The Engineering Design Process

Lesson 2 — Technical Drawing and Engineering Documentation

Lesson 3 — Stress, Strain, and Material Selection

Lesson 4 — Functional Prototyping

Lesson 5 — Troubleshooting Mechanical Failures

Lesson 6 — Parametric Design

Lesson 7 — Design for Disassembly and Repair

Lesson 8 — Engineering Trade-offs and Decision Matrices

Lesson 9 — System Integration

Lesson 10 — Grade 8 Capstone: Engineered Solution Project

Lesson 1 — Advanced Parametric Modelling

Lesson 2 — Surface Modelling and Complex Curved Geometry

Lesson 3 — Precision Tolerancing and GD&T Basics

Lesson 4 — Design for Manufacture — Optimising for FDM

Lesson 5 — Multi-Body Part Design

Lesson 6 — Top-Down Assembly Design

Lesson 7 — CAD Data Management and Collaboration

Lesson 8 — Reverse Engineering

Lesson 9 — Design Optimisation — Lightweighting

Lesson 10 — Grade 9 Capstone: Advanced Engineering CAD Project

Lesson 1 — Introduction to Product Design Thinking

Lesson 2 — Market Research and User Discovery

Lesson 3 — Defining the Problem Space: Jobs to Be Done

Lesson 4 — Ideation and Concept Development

Lesson 5 — Product Specification and Feature Prioritisation

Lesson 6 — Prototyping for Product Validation

Lesson 7 — User Testing and Feedback Loops

Lesson 8 — Product Iteration and Version Management

Lesson 9 — Business Model Basics for Product Designers

Lesson 10 — Grade 10 Capstone: Product Design Project

Lesson 1 — Advanced User Research: Ethnography and Participatory Design

Lesson 2 — Systems Thinking: Mapping Complex Problems

Lesson 3 — Technology Readiness Levels and Innovation Pathways

Lesson 4 — Intellectual Property for Innovators

Lesson 5 — Scaling from Prototype to Product: Manufacturing Considerations

Lesson 6 — Building and Presenting a Design Portfolio

Lesson 7 — Social Innovation: Designing for Impact, Not Just Profit

Lesson 8 — Advanced Prototyping: Sensors, Electronics Basics, and IoT Concepts

Lesson 9 — Design Ethics and Responsible Innovation

Lesson 10 — Grade 11 Capstone: Innovation Research Project

Lesson 1 — The Innovation Ecosystem: Startups, Corporates, and Government

Lesson 2 — Grant Writing and Funding Applications for Student Innovators

Lesson 3 — Building and Leading an Innovation Team

Lesson 4 — Pitching Your Innovation: Investors, Grant Panels, and Demo Days

Lesson 5 — Launch Strategy: From Pilot to Scale

Lesson 6 — Impact Measurement and Innovation Reporting

Lesson 7 — The Resilient Innovator: Handling Failure, Pivots, and Long-term Thinking

Lesson 8 — Cross-Sector Collaboration: Industry, Government, and Academia

Lesson 9 — Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainable Innovation

Lesson 10 — Capstone: Your Innovation Roadmap