🖨️ 3D Printer Family Projects to Spark STEM Learning at Home

SMART Core Labs Houston
Jun 30
4 min read

Transform Curiosity Into Creation — One Layer at a Time

SMARTCore Labs student utilising 3D printer in STEM learning

In a world where creativity and technology collide, a 3D Printer offers a hands-on way to bring your child’s wildest ideas to life — right from your home! At Smart Core Labs, we’re passionate about making STEM Learning, accessible, exciting, and real. That’s why we’re not only teaching students how to use 3D printers — we’re also giving one away to a lucky family in our community.

Whether you’re already entered in our 3D Printer Raffle or simply looking for ways to explore STEM as a family, this guide is full of fun, beginner-friendly project ideas you can try at home — and an invitation to take that learning even further with us.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Families Love 3D Printing Together

3D printing is more than just a cool gadget — it’s a powerful tool that teaches invaluable skills:

Problem-solving: Figuring out how to turn an idea into a physical object.
Critical thinking: Analyzing designs and making improvements.
Collaboration: Working together as a family on a shared project.
Basic coding and design: Learning the fundamentals of CAD software like Tinkercad.
Real-world math and science: Applying concepts of geometry, measurement, and mechanics.

Even better? It creates quality time. Imagine designing and printing a custom board game with your child or watching their face light up as a tiny city they designed becomes real — layer by layer.

And if you’re not sure how to start — that’s where we come in!

🧠 Simple 3D Printer STEM Learning Projects to Do Together at Home

These projects are perfect for beginners and great for families with kids ages 6+ (with adult help for younger ones):

🎲 1. Custom Board Game Pieces

Redesign a favorite game or invent your own! Use Tinkercad or other beginner-friendly software to create custom pawns, dice, or themed tokens.

Skills: Geometry, measurement, creative design.
Pro Tip: Let each family member design one piece — then play the game together!
Project Link Ideas:
- Simple Chess Pieces on Thingiverse (You can find many basic designs here for inspiration)
- Custom Dice Maker Tutorial (YouTube) (Search for beginner-friendly Tinkercad tutorials on YouTube)

🏙️ 2. Mini City Models

Inspired by our City of the Future Week? Recreate your own futuristic city at home! Build mini buildings, solar towers, greenhouses, bridges, and parks — then arrange them on a cardboard base.

Skills: Urban planning, environmental science, design thinking.
Try This: Create a family challenge to solve a real-world problem — like designing a flood-proof city or car-free zone!
Project Link Ideas:
- Modular City Tiles on MyMiniFactory (Look for simple, stackable building designs)
- Tinkercad Lesson: Designing a House (Great starting point for building blocks)

📱 3. Desk Organizers or Phone Stands

Want to combine design and function? Create pen holders, phone docks, or mini drawer organizers that are useful and cool.

Skills: Engineering, measurement, functional design.
Tip: Let your child design a set for their homeschool or homework space!
Project Link Ideas:
- Simple Phone Stand Design on Cults3D (Or search for "phone stand simple 3d print")
- Tinkercad Tutorial: Pen Holder (Again, YouTube is great for basic tutorials)

🔑 4. Keychains & Name Tags

Print your child’s name, pet’s name, or a favorite word as a keychain or backpack tag. Easy to design, quick to print, and very customizable!

Skills: Intro to typography and spatial design.
Creative Twist: Add small gear shapes or print one for every family member in their favorite color.
Project Link Ideas:
- Customizable Keychain Templates on Thingiverse (Many designs where you can just change the text)
- Tinkercad Text Tool Tutorial (How to use text in Tinkercad)

⚙️ 5. Gears & Simple Machines

Design and print basic gears, pulleys, or crank mechanisms. Then assemble and experiment! These projects bring physics to life and are great for kids who love to tinker.

Skills: Mechanics, motion, engineering logic.
STEM Connection: Have a race — which gear combo spins fastest? Or test weightlifting power with different pulley setups.
Project Link Ideas:
- Basic Gear Set on GrabCAD (For more advanced users or just inspiration)
- Working Gear Models on Thingiverse (Look for simple, interlocking gear sets)

🏫 Want Your Child to Learn Even More?

At Smart Core Labs, students don’t just use 3D printers — they learn the science and technology behind them. In our weekly classes and camps, kids explore:

🧪 Chemistry & biology experiments
💻 Python programming & game design
🤖 Robotics & automation
🖨️ CAD design & 3D printing

We teach students how to think like scientists and engineers, not just follow instructions. If your child lights up at these projects, they’ll thrive in our programs.

Learn More about our Programs!

✅ Ready to ignite their passion for STEM?

Request a Free Demo for afterschool classes!