3D Printing Curriculum Modules | Educating with Evidence | SIU

America Reads Design Scholars: 3D Printing Curriculum

America Reads Design Scholars Program is a 16-week after school program that teaches design thinking and three-dimensional (3D) printing skills to promote reading, math, and science literacies. The SIU federal work study students serve as tutors at local schools and facilitate various design challenges using Tinkercad, an online 3D modeling web program. This is an extension of the makerspace concept where students are encouraged to imagine, create, test, re-design and learn from failures that are part of the 21^st century competencies.

Our curriculum embraces the Universal Design for Learning framework. It allows multiple entry points for a learner by providing diverse opportunities for transdisciplinary STEAM learning connecting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with Arts. We encourage our students to incorporate design thinking using digital tools, paper art works like origami, cardboard, and other recycled materials to express their creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Table illustrates a sample 3D printing curriculum units that is at three levels of proficiency

3D Printing Sample Curriculum Units

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Module 1: Designing 3D Printable Math Shapes This unit focuses on creating 2D and 3D shapes on Tinkercad.	Module 2: Creating Hollow 3D Printable Designs This unit focuses on creating hollow objects on Tinkercad.	Module 3: Making 3D Printable Hinges This unit focuses on making hinges on Tinkercad.
Module 4: Constructing a Paper Infinity Cube In this unit, students learn to make infinity cube using paper.	Module 5: Aligning and Embedding 3D Shapes           In this unit, students learn to align and embed objects on Tinkercad.	Module 6: Designing a 3D Printable Flexi-Cube           In this unit, students learn to create an infinity cube on Tinkercad.
Module 7: Articulated or String 3D Printable Design         In this unit, students learn to create articulated objects on Tinkercad.	Module 8: Designing a 3D Printable Mobile Holder         In this unit, students learn to create a mobile holder on Tinkercad.	Module 9: Making a 3D Printable Prosthetic Hand In this unit, students learn to create a prosthetic hand on Tinkercad.