Writing, Public Speaking, and Science Classes for K-12 Curriculum | PopSmart Academy

 Core Skills Students Will Learn

• Engineering mindset and design thinking

• 3D modeling using TinkerCAD

• Creative ideation and prototyping

• Understanding geometric concepts (planes, vertices, edges, etc.)

• Requirements and constraints in design

• Spatial reasoning and digital fabrication fundamentals

• Introduction to 3D printing technologies and file formats (STL, OBJ)

• Collaboration, feedback, and iterative improvement

• Communicating design intent through storytelling and visual presentation

• Applying design to real-world problems through empathy
  
  

Daily Curriculum Overview

Day 1 | Introduction to 3D Design & the Engineering Process

• Icebreakers, expectations, and camp overview

• Introduction to the Engineering Design Process

• Hands-on with TinkerCAD: creating custom nameplates

• Learn to navigate 3D space, workplane, and shape tools

• Take-home: student creates and exports their first 3D model
  
  

Day 2 | Solving Problems Through Design

• Review goals, requirements vs. constraints

• Sketching ideas and planning dimensions

• Deep dive into shape manipulation and design strategies

• Finalize and prep nameplate design for 3D printing

• Take-home: design worksheet on helping a family member solve a real-world problem
  
  

Day 3 | Engineering for Others: Design with Empathy

• Define user needs: “Design something for a relative”

• Brainstorm and sketch personalized solutions

• Begin digital modeling of their object in TinkerCAD

• Learn about file types (STL, OBJ, MTL) and export options

• Take-home: refine second project and prepare for presentation
  
  

Day 4 | From Concept to Reality: Prototyping and Printing

• How 3D printing works (materials, printers, additive process)

• Compare Bedslinger vs. CoreXY printers (pros and cons)

• Practice revising designs for usability and printability

• Finalize object design and prep for print

• Take-home: reflection on design process and peer feedback
  
  

Day 5 | Presenting Like a Designer

• Storytelling in design: Who are you helping and why?

• Create and rehearse short presentations

• Showcase: students present their designs to the class

• Celebrate learning with a mini gallery of printed models

• Take-home: printed object and a copy of their design story
  
  

What Parents Can Expect

By the end of five days, students will have:
(1) Gained hands-on experience with 3D modeling tools
(2) Completed two custom design projects, including one designed for someone else
(3) Learned the engineering process through real-world application
(4) Presented their design ideas with confidence and purpose
(5) Taken home a printed 3D object they designed from scratch

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