Mini Makers, Big Impact: What Our Young Designers Taught Us This Summer

Young innovators use 3D printing to solve real-world problems
through design thinking and hands-on creativity.

This summer at PopSmart Academy was nothing short of inspiring, especially when we stepped into the buzzing world of our 3D design and printing camps! It was here that our young students truly transformed into "mini makers," showing us that creativity, combined with problem-solving, can lead to incredible innovations. We weren't just teaching them about technology; they were teaching us about the boundless potential of young minds.

The true magic of 3D printing isn't just seeing an object appear layer by layer; it's watching a child's abstract idea materialize into something tangible. It's the journey from a spark of imagination to a real-world solution. Our students weren't just printing pre-made designs; they were identifying challenges in their daily lives, brainstorming solutions, designing prototypes, and then refining them–a full immersion into design thinking and iteration.

One of the projects students worked on was to design something for a family member. They started by using a set of questions to interview a parent or another relative. Based on the answers, they came up with ideas for an object that person would find useful. One of the coolest outcomes was the “Desk Tidy Transformers.”

In one case, a camper found out their relative had a cluttered desk—pens rolling off, small items getting lost. So they designed a modular desk organizer that could be rearranged depending on what was being stored. Their first version was a solid block, but after testing it, they realized it wasn’t flexible enough. They improved it by adding interlocking sections and compartments for different things. One student even made a little spot just for charging a smartwatch. Through this, they learned about using space well and designing with the user in mind.

Inspired by gemstones and geometric design, one student created a “3D Diamond” model not just for its elegance, but to explore symmetry, angles, and internal structure. The challenge? Designing intersecting facets that came together cleanly during printing, and creating a hollowed interior to mimic light refraction. The result? A stunning diamond-shaped sculpture that was both beautiful and mathematically intricate. It taught all of us how form and function can intersect—and how geometry isn’t just something you learn in math class, but something you can hold in your hand.

Another student set their sights on something far more complex: a “3D-printed Hand” with moving joints. Every finger was designed with knuckle and joint articulation—allowing it to bend and mimic the movement of a real human hand. Through trial and error, they learned how to space segments for flexibility, test hinge mechanisms, and add tension lines to allow for movement with a pull of a string. It wasn’t just a cool model—it was a functional prototype that introduced concepts in biomechanics, robotics, and prosthetics.

These projects weren't just about cool gadgets; they were about:

• Empathy: Understanding who they were designing for (themselves, a pet, a family member) and what that user needed.
  
  
• Problem-Solving: Breaking down a challenge into manageable parts and brainstorming multiple solutions.
  
  
• Patience and Resilience: Dealing with failed prints, design flaws, and the need to go back to the drawing board. Each "mistake" was simply an opportunity to learn and improve.
  
  
• Innovation: Daring to think differently and create something entirely new to address a common frustration.

Watching our students confidently explain their designs, showcase their prints, and talk about the challenges they overcame was truly heartwarming. They weren't just learning software; they were developing critical thinking, perseverance, and the confidence to bring their unique visions to life.

We are incredibly proud of all our young designers this summer. Their creations are not just plastic objects; they are tangible proof of their burgeoning ingenuity and the future impact they are destined to make. At PopSmart Academy, we believe in empowering every child to be a mini maker with a big impact!

Inspired by what you've seen? Do you want your child to embark on their own journey of growth, discovery, and success? Join the PopSmart Academy family! We're ready to ignite their curiosity, nurture their talents, and help them unlock their full potential.

Explore our Summer Camps and Programs here.