Fifth Grade, 3D Printing Projects, Lessons, Activities (8 results)

3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is a rapidly changing technology that allows for the quick creation of small batches of products. Traditional manufacturing usually involves cutting products out of raw materials or pouring raw materials into molds. In contrast, 3D printing creates a product by adding layer after layer of material using computer-controlled robotics. 3D printing processes are being used to create a growing number of products, from food to custom prosthetics. With the help of different types of 3D printers, additive manufacturing can be used for enormous objects like a house or rocket as well as tiny things the size of a pencil tip.

3D Print with Sand: No 3D Printer Required!

STEM Activity

45 reviews

Don't have your own 3D printer? No problem! In this fun activity you will make your own colorful 3D prints using craft sand and glue. No 3D printer required! Read more

3D Print a Drone Frame

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Drones come in all shapes and sizes. In this engineering project you will design and 3D-print your own frame for a miniature drone. Read more

Design and 3D-Print Your Own Robot!

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Science Buddies has several fun robotics projects, like the Art Bot: Build a Wobbly Robot That Creates Art and Make a Robot Hand Using Drinking Straws, where you use arts and crafts materials to make part of a robot. Have you ever wanted to design a more-advanced, sturdier, or fancier looking robot? Then computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing might be for you; both are simpler than you think! The directions on this page will give you an introduction to these technologies so you can design… Read more

3D Print with Icing: No 3D Printer Required!

STEM Activity

7 reviews

Are you wondering how a 3D printer works? In this fun activity, you will be the printer and make colorful 3D prints using royal icing. No 3D printer is required, and your prints are edible! Read more

Design and 3D Print Your Own Fabric

STEM Activity

13 reviews

When you think of 3D printing, you probably think of solid objects. But did you know that you can use a 3D printer to make a flexible fabric? This activity will show you how to design and 3D print your own fabric. Read more

The Ambiguous Cylinder Illusion

STEM Activity

21 reviews

Is it a circle? Is it a square? Or is it both? Make your own 3D printed "ambiguous cylinder" illusion in this fun activity. Read more

The Impossible Arrow Illusion

STEM Activity

33 reviews

Make your own 3D printed "impossible arrow" illusion in this fun activity. No matter how many times you spin the arrow around, it always seems to point in the same direction—but its reflection in a mirror points the other way! How does it work? Try it and find out! Read more

Design and 3D Print a Snowflake

STEM Activity

36 reviews