Course Description

This class is designed for all experience levels, whether you are a veteran 3D designer and 3D printer or whether you’ve never touched the program before. We will cover how to use TinkerCAD, how to slice and 3D print your files, and how to look at the world of design to tackle challenges big and small, turning creative ideas into real, useful solutions.

You’ll explore problems at three different scales: around your home, in your community, and around the world. Along the way, you’ll practice identifying and analyzing problems, brainstorming creative solutions, designing useful objects in Tinkercad, and testing how well your ideas work. Through hands-on projects, you’ll discover how 3D printing can turn your ideas into solutions with a purpose.

This course requires the use of a laptop (no tablets). The Robinson Center can provide a device if your student does not have access.

Essential Questions

  • How do I create files to be 3D printed?
  • How do I operate a 3D printer safely, and keep it in good working condition?
  • What are some advanced 3D design techniques I can learn?
  • How do I identify what makes a solution useful?
  • How can I test and improve a design?
  • How can I balance creativity, function, and practicality when designing a solution?

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 A TinkerCAD Primer
Week 2 Local Problems
Week 3 Local Problem Design Day
Week 4 Thinking Bigger
Week 5 Community Problems
Week 6 Community Problem Design Day
Week 7 World Problems
Week 8 World Problem Design Hackathon
Week 9                   Hackathon Results + What’s Next?

Instructor

Other Details

Cost

  • $337.50
    • 9 classes, 50 minute class

Location

Date & Time

  • Saturdays, September 26 - November 21st 2026
  • 10:00am - 10:50am

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full refund: Two weeks before classes start
  • 50% refund: One week before classes start
  • No refund: Less than one week before classes start