10 STEM Projects for Elementary Students with a 3D Printer
3D printing gives elementary school students a great way to learn STEM concepts through hands-on activities. These 10 projects give students the opportunity to view and play with concepts that could otherwise be too abstract or too hard. Your students can create and test gears, build and calculate bridge strength, or create their own constellation viewers. Each project weaves together loose strands of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fashion that makes sense for and is enjoyable for elementary students.
Project 1: Spinning Gears!
This project introduces students to basic mechanical concepts through experimental manipulation of gears. Students learn how gears work together in transmitting motion, changing speed, and developing mechanical advantage. They learn mathematical skills, mechanical assembly skills, and problem-solving skills by measuring the teeth on the gears and examining different gear combinations.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Understanding gear ratios and mechanical advantage • Practicing math skills through counting and calculating ratios • Developing spatial reasoning by assembling gear systems • Learning basic principles of simple machines |
• Start with smaller gears to reduce print time • Check if the model needs support material before printing • Print a test gear first to ensure proper tooth alignment • PLA filament works best for classroom use • Download pre-designed spur gear models to save time |
The gear project works well as an entry point for 3D printing in the classroom since it combines simple designs with clear mechanical principles. Students can start with basic two-gear systems and gradually move to more complex arrangements as their skills improve.
Project 2: Geometric Solids
This project helps students explore 3D shapes in a tangible way. Students can hold and examine different geometric solids, making abstract math concepts more concrete. The hands-on experience with cubes, spheres, pyramids, and other shapes strengthens their understanding of geometry and spatial relationships.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Direct interaction with 3D geometric shapes • Practice measuring and calculating volume • Learning to identify faces, edges, and vertices • Development of spatial visualization skills • Experience with shape classification and properties |
• Use different colors to help distinguish between shapes • Experiment with infill percentages to create varying weights • Consider printing hollow shapes to save material • PLA filament in multiple colors works well • Download ready-made geometric solid models for consistency |
Students move naturally from simple shape recognition to more complex geometric concepts through this hands-on exploration. The physical models make it easier to understand how 2D shapes combine to create 3D objects.
Project 3: Plant Cell Model
This project transforms microscopic cell structures into visible, tangible models that students can explore. By creating and assembling their own plant cell models, students learn about different organelles and their functions. The 3D-printed components help students visualize how various parts of a cell work together.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Recognition of cell organelles and their functions • Understanding cell structure and organization • Comparison between plant and animal cells • Development of model building skills • Practice with scientific labeling and identification |
• Print organelles in different colors for easy identification • Use transparent material for the cell wall base if possible • Pay attention to the relative sizes of organelles • Keep organelle shapes simple but recognizable • Consider durability when printing small components |
The physical cell model serves as a reference point for students throughout their biology studies. They can add to or modify their models as they learn more complex cellular concepts.
Project 4: Fossil Dig Site
This project combines earth science with hands-on discovery as students create and explore their own fossil dig sites. Students learn about fossilization, geological layers, and prehistoric life while practicing scientific excavation techniques. The project turns abstract concepts about earth's history into a physical, interactive experience.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Understanding of fossilization processes • Knowledge of geological layers and time periods • Practice with scientific excavation methods • Recognition of different fossil types • Experience with archaeological documentation |
• Use earth-toned filament for realistic fossil appearance • Print fossils with medium infill for durability • Create detailed but sturdy fossil replicas • Print extra fossils to replace any that break • Make fossils large enough for elementary students to handle |
The dig site setup lets students act as paleontologists while learning key scientific concepts. They connect the physical evidence they uncover with larger ideas about Earth's history and prehistoric life.
Project 5: Bridge Design
the white tower printed by @dylanlock_ QIDI X-MAX
This project teaches students about structural engineering through hands-on bridge building and testing. Students learn how different designs and forces affect bridge strength while developing problem-solving skills. The project makes abstract physics concepts tangible as students test and improve their bridge designs.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Recognition of forces in structures • Experience with scientific testing methods • Development of design improvement skills • Practice with measurement and data recording |
• Use PLA or PETG filament for stronger components • Print beams with layers aligned to the length for maximum strength • Create multiple sets of bridge parts for comparison • Test print small components before full bridge parts • Pay attention to connection points between pieces |
The bridge testing process shows students how engineering principles work in real structures. Each test helps them understand why certain designs are stronger than others.
Project 6: Measuring Tools
This project teaches students about measurement by designing and creating their own measuring tools. Students learn to use CAD software while developing practical tools like rulers, protractors, or volume measures. The project connects measurement concepts with tool design, helping students understand precision and accuracy.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Experience with basic CAD software • Practice with precision and calibration • Development of tool design skills • Learning through creating practical instruments |
• Print settings must be precise for accurate measurements • Test prints are essential to check dimensions • Add clear measurement markings in the design • Use high quality PLA filament for stability • Ensure printer calibration before starting |
The measuring tools project helps students understand both the technical and practical aspects of measurement. They learn design principles while creating instruments they can use in other classroom activities.
Project 7: 3D Puzzles
This project combines spatial reasoning with engineering design as students create their own 3D puzzles. Students learn about interlocking mechanisms while developing problem-solving skills. The project challenges them to think about how shapes fit together and how pieces can be designed to connect properly.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Development of spatial reasoning skills • Practice with engineering design principles • Understanding of shape relationships • Experience with mechanical fit and tolerance • Enhancement of problem-solving abilities |
• Print test pieces to check fit and tolerance • Use different colors for easier assembly learning • Ensure precise dimensions for proper interlocking • Consider printer accuracy limits when designing connections • Print extra pieces to replace any that might break |
The puzzle design process teaches students about both geometric principles and practical engineering considerations. Each puzzle becomes a test of their design skills and understanding of spatial relationships.
Project 8: Constellation Viewer
This project combines astronomy with simple optics as students create tools to view star patterns. Students learn about constellations and celestial navigation while building a device that projects star patterns. The project helps make astronomical concepts visible and engaging in the classroom.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Knowledge of basic astronomy concepts • Experience with optical projection • Connection between stars and navigation • Learning about night sky observation |
• Use dark filament for the viewer body • Print with slots for interchangeable patterns • Consider translucent material for star patterns • Test light transmission before full production • Ensure proper fit between components |
The constellation viewer gives students a hands-on way to study astronomy. They can explore different star patterns and learn how these patterns have guided people throughout history.
Project 9: Topographical Maps
This project helps students understand geography and landforms through 3D-printed terrain models. Students learn how maps represent elevation and terrain features while exploring different landscapes. The project transforms flat maps into tactile models that make geographic concepts easier to understand.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Practice with map reading skills • Recognition of terrain features • Experience with topographical representation • Development of spatial thinking skills |
• Use different colors for elevation levels • Adjust layer height to show elevation changes • Consider size and scale for detail visibility • Test print small sections first • Print with enough infill for durability |
The physical terrain models help students connect 2D map symbols with real landscape features. Students can touch and explore geographic formations while learning how maps represent the real world.
Project 10: Mechanical Keychain
This project combines engineering with personal design as students create keychains with moving gear mechanisms. Students apply their knowledge of gears to make a functional, personalized item. The project introduces product design while reinforcing mechanical concepts through a practical application.
| Key Learning Benefits | Important 3D Printing Notes |
|---|---|
| • Application of gear mechanics • Practice with product design • Experience with personalization • Understanding of moving parts • Development of design skills |
• Use contrasting colors for gears and base • Print small test gears to check fit • Ensure proper clearance for moving parts • Create durable connection points • Consider size limits for keychain practicality |
This hands-on project lets students create something personal while applying their engineering knowledge. They learn about both functional design and aesthetic considerations while making something they can use.
Make STEM Learning Real with 3D Printing!
These 10 projects make STEM learning real and hands-on for elementary students through 3D printing. All the projects enable teachers to make challenging concepts accessible to students by enabling them to design and test actual objects. Teachers can choose projects that fit their class needs and adapt them as the students learn. With the right instructions and printing guidance, these projects give teachers a solid foundation for integrating 3D printing into their STEM curriculum.