S.T.E.M. Class
3D Printing & Design
Print your imagination into the palm of your hand!
Learn all about 3D printing, how it works, and learn the software skills you’ll need to create your own unique designs! Take home several mini-prints and watch your final project print on our 6 classroom 3D printers! Nerds love to repeat this class, so we are always updating the projects! Returning Nerds welcome!
Description
3D Printing is Nerding’s all time most popular class! Nerds love to take this class over and over, so we are now regularly changing projects and to keep things fresh and challenging for returning nerds. Also, we have 6 brand new printers this year that are literally 4x faster! I know! We can barely believe it ourselves!
In this fun hands-on class, nerds will craft 3D models using intuitive CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software tailored for kids. From concept to creation, they’ll master the printing process, witnessing their designs materialize layer by layer before their eyes, and proudly take home their masterpiece.
But it’s not just about crafting cool gadgets – it’s about the journey of discovery. Alongside honing math and spatial reasoning skills essential for navigating the 3D design landscape, nerds will explore the applications of 3D printing. From prosthetics enhancing lives to constructing homes and even venturing to space, discover how this technology is shaping tomorrow’s world.
What idea will you bring to life this summer?
READ: Our Experience With Flashforge 3D Printers: A Comprehensive Guide For Families
Are you interested in buying your own 3D Printer for home? Parents and kids ask about the FlashForge printers we use every class! So we wrote up a blog post with our recommendation.
NEW! Coming 2025 A Digital Course to help families get started with their first 3D Printer!!!
Getting your Family Started with 3D Printing
We will be launching a digital course covering everything from unboxing your new 3D Printer to making your first print. Plus troubleshooting tips. Leave your name and email and we will reach out when the course is live.
Good fit for...
This is the perfect class for nerds who are interested in 3D printing technology and the amazing impact it has – and will continue to have – in today’s world! We’ll use TinkerCad, an easy-to-use online program, to learn how to design and build our awesome creations.
Successful nerds are imaginative learners who enjoy visual planning and designing on the computer. Nerds will share their clever ideas and projects during the week!
Your nerd will also interact with kids with similar creative interests and will make new friends as they cheer each other on.
Nerds make...
We will be working in a browser-based program called TinkerCAD. We will manage your nerd’s account and set them up on the first day of class. They will have access to this account and can continue to design for all eternity! Their designs are downloadable for future printing.
Nerds will also design and print a personalized keychain and “final print” of their choice, and it can be as big as approximately 4x4x4 inches. They will also take home several small test prints, like Pikachus, dice, small astronauts, etc.
There are also a few non-computer-based builds in this class like a model prosthetic hand!
Nerds learn...
We’ll learn using in-class demonstrations and additional online tutorials to view after class. We’ll talk about the engineering design process and how to think about continuous improvement in our designs. We’ll also talk about what industries are using 3D printing today and the incredible improvements being made in our society, especially in health care!
Over the 5 days of this class nerds will:
- Learn about the 3D printing process
- Discover how 3D printing is benefitting the world with inexpensive prosthetics
- Learn to use the design tools in TinkerCAD
Class Structure
What to Bring to Class
SUMMER & BREAK CLASSES ONLY: Class is 3hrs each day, so bring a snack for break time. Also, bring your own refillable water bottle. Don’t have one? Add our Nerding water bottle to your order and pick up on first day of class!
Gallery
Your nerd will build and discover like these nerds have.
Reviews
Register
Locations, dates, and times vary by time of year.
Summer Camp
Summer 2026 Registration will open Friday 10am, March 13, 2025.
After-School
View our After School page to see if this class is offered. Not all classes are offered after school.
One Response
Both of my kids have loved this class. They teach how to make designs with simple shapes instead of using ones that have already been made, and go through the steps along everyone. My kids have also pointed out that they help people who need help. They taught the class how to make prints that can even move! In summary, this class is great to help your children learn about everything from the history of 3d printers, to how to do it and is definitely an awesome thing to do over summer!