Making a Mardi Gras-Inspired Patch Using Algorithmic Design
What is an algorithm? How can algorithms be used to create cultural designs and 3D models? This lesson explores these questions by using visual programming to help students explore computational…
Ring Ceremony: Custom 3D Print Rings
Rings are customizable, simple objects to 3D print. Over the course of five classes (hours), students will design and print rings to wear and share with classmates. This lesson uses…
Biomedical Engineer – Middle School Remix
This lesson reflects on “Everyday in the life of a Biomedical Engineer” What does a Biomedical Engineer do? Biomedical Engineer Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists,…
Coding 3D Models Using Tinkercad Codeblocks
Inspired by contemporary South African baskets and hats, this activity explores craft through computation, 3D modeling and 3D printing. Students will use object-oriented computer programming, meaning they will place a…
Lesson Landing Pad: 3D Printing
This is a new type of lesson page! Instead of serving as a place to find a singular lesson about 3D printing, this is a page that will serve as…
tarukantohku: Digital Design Rooted in Storytelling Tradition
The purpose of this lesson is to promote collaboration between educational and cultural programming, specifically for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. The Tunica-Biloxi are a federally recognized tribe with population…
Music & 3D Modeling: From James Brown to Architecture
Black History Month recognizes the heritage, accomplishments, and culture of African Americans in the United States. In honor of this month, this project combines black music, 3D modeling and laser…
Tinkercad & Chibi Chip Electronic Cards
This “Hour of Code” project is part of Computer Science Education Week from December 3 – 7 but the lesson can be done any time of the year. Students explore…
Finding Fibonacci in the Helicone
Leonardo of Pisa (c.1170–c.1250), also known as Fibonacci, is often considered the most talented mathematician of the Middle Ages. In this lesson students discover the mystical nature of the famous…
Wind Turbine STEM/Digital Fabrication Challenge
Enhance your subject area content and career connections by using digital fabrication to design and make blades for a wind turbine.
From Digital to Physical: Geometric Translations
In this guide you will learn to develop a general workflow between 3D modeling softwares and planar assembly techniques for laser cutting using geometric translation tools. This guide will focus…
Fab Sneakers Workshop
Fabricating shoes presents fun opportunities for student to learn principles from design and mathematics while they explore digital fabrication process such as 3D modeling for 3D printing, laser cutting for…
Wearable Tech in Afrofuturism
Afrofuturism encompasses a wide variety of creative explorations across numerous fields – music, art, film, and literature – over nearly a half-century in black culture. This lesson plan explores the…
Child Designed Furniture
Creating classroom furniture with children is one example of a successful scaffolded fabrication activity that can be an empowering experience for young children. This experience includes adults working alongside children…
Dora Milaje Tabi Boot
This lesson originates from Ruth Carter’s approach to costume design for the Black Panther film. Students will create a pattern using software to be laser etched into soft material that…
Wakandan Bling
This lesson is inspired by different designers’ approaches for the Black Panther film. For example, LA-based designer Douriean Fletcher curated a special set of jewelry such as beaded bracelets, necklaces…
Recreating the Past: Using 3D Printing to Explore the Legacy of Tiridates III the Great
This lesson bridges history and technology by using a 3D-printed replica of the crown of King Tiridates III the Great, the Armenian king who made Christianity the official religion of…
August 29, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Automata: Deep Dive
This lesson introduces learners to the fascinating world of automata; kinetic sculptures powered by simple mechanical systems. Through hands-on fabrication using laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and 3D printers, learners will…
August 25, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Casting & Molding: Deep Dive
Learners will design a two-part, two-step mold from scratch using a blank xDesign template.
August 25, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box 3D Printed Trick Dice: Deep Dive
Learners will be designing dice that roll unfairly, on purpose! They’ll be using xDesign to engineer internal features that shift the weight of a die, affecting how it rolls.
August 25, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Spinning Tops: Deep Dive
Learners will experiment with physics while designing and fabricating a custom modular spinning top with interchangeable parts.
August 25, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Botanical Press: Deep Dive
Learners will design a botanical press from scratch and create custom 3D-printed wing nuts.
August 25, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Stamps: Deep Dive
Learners will design a personal logo that reflects their (or a brand’s) unique identities and values. By combining graphic design principles with self-reflection, they will use symbols and typography to…
August 25, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Invention Kits: Deep Dive
Learners will design and construct scale models using their cardboard invention kits, applying advanced parametric modeling techniques in xDesign. Learners will create this scale model from scratch using a blank…
August 24, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Paper Pop-Up Books: Deep Dive
Learners will design and prototype a multi-page pop-up book spread using xDesign and the Brother ScanNCut Vinyl Cutter.
August 24, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Pinwheels: Deep Dive
Learners will independently design and fabricate multi-layered, custom pinwheels using a blank xDesign template.
August 24, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Stickers: Deep Dive
Learners will design complex, multi-layered 2D graphics using xDesign and the Brother ScanNCut Vinyl Cutter. That this activity focuses on basic visual concepts, such as balance, symmetry, and negative space.
August 24, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Automata: Exposure
This lesson introduces learners to the fascinating world of automata; kinetic sculptures powered by simple mechanical systems. Through hands-on fabrication using laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and 3D printers, learners will…
August 23, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Casting & Molding: Exposure
Learners will use a premade xDesign template to create a simple mold around a small object.
August 23, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box 3D Printed Dice: Exposure
Learners will open a pre-made die model in xDesign and adjust parameters to customize shape. Export the modified model for 3D printing and discuss how changes might affect balance or…
August 23, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Spinning Tops: Exposure
Explore how spinning tops are made using CAD and 3D printing. Learners adjust a pre-made xDesign file of a revolved top.
August 23, 2025
Fab-in-a-Box Botanical Press: Exposure
Learners will adjust a premade flower press using an xDesign template. Discuss basic 2D design principles: symmetry, bounding boxes, and perimeter shapes.
August 23, 2025STANDARDS-ALIGNED
Community contributed lessons aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) offer formal educators innovative pathways to teaching content knowledge. The Fab I Can Statements are a resource to develop technology-literate learning progressions to align with content standards.
FAB TESTED
Periodically lessons are adapted and tested by the Fab Foundation team based on a call for submissions from fabbers, educators, and makers. Our inaugural set of lessons for the SCOPES-DF project were Fab Tested in 2016 and are tagged Fab Tested on the website.
OPEN-SOURCE VALUES
Lessons are distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC license, that permits free use and re-purposing by others.