Day 1: Foundations of 3D Printing

Goal

Understand how 3D printing works, identify printer parts, and explore filament and design possibilities.

How to Use This Page

Work through one part at a time
Complete each activity before clicking Mark Complete
Follow teacher instructions when a section tells you to pause

Success Criteria

I can explain how a 3D printer works
I can identify key parts
I understand PLA vs PETG
I explored MakerWorld ideas

Your progress on this page saves on this device, so you can refresh and come back without losing your work.

Tip: When you click Mark Complete, the next section will open automatically.

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Part 1: Intro to 3D Printing

Watch the full video first, then complete the quiz. You can reset the quiz if you want more practice.

Part 2: Printers

While you watch:

Which printer seems best for beginners?
Which printer seems best for more advanced prints?
What makes each printer different?

Part 3: Parts

👨‍🏫 Teacher Demo

Pause here and follow your teacher to a printer. Watch as they point out each part and explain what it does.

Identify the nozzle, bed, extruder, and frame
Listen for what each part does during a print
Ask questions if something is unclear

🧠 Matching Activity

Now that you have seen the parts on a real printer, return to your computer and complete the activity below.

Match each part to what it does.

Nozzle

Bed

Extruder

Frame

Try to match these before scrolling down 👀

🔥 Nozzle

Melts filament and places it during printing

🛏️ Bed

Surface where the object is printed

🎯 Extruder

Pushes filament into the nozzle

📦 Frame

Provides structure and stability

🛠️ Troubleshooting Challenge

Try this on your own first. Use the hint only if you need it.

Work through one scenario at a time.

This is what real troubleshooting looks like 👀

Part 4: Filament

Watch for these ideas:

Which filament is easiest for beginners?
Which filament is more durable?
Why does moisture matter?

Part 5: Spool

Do not touch or unwrap filament until your teacher tells you to do so.

Important: Do not remove the plastic wrapper on the filament refill until the teacher checks your spool setup. If it opens too early, the filament can unwind and waste an entire roll.

Check each box only after you understand the process:

I watched the video
I understand how the refill sits in the spool
I will NOT unwrap the filament before teacher approval
I am ready for a teacher check

Part 6: Explore MakerWorld

Explore at least 5 models. Look for a mix of useful, creative, and fun designs. Be ready to explain why your model stood out to you.

Explore models and find inspiration.

🔗 Open MakerWorld

🔍 Top Categories to Explore

🛠️ Tools (phone stands, organizers)
🎮 Fun prints (toys, gadgets)
🏫 School items (keychains, name tags)
🏠 Practical items (hooks, holders)
🎨 Creative designs (art, decorative prints)