3D Design – Level 1: Introduction to 3D Design #
This course, aimed at students aged 8, serves as a gateway into the world of 3D modeling and design. Students begin their creative journey by working with child-friendly 3D modeling tools, exploring basic design principles through fun and interactive activities. The program focuses on fundamental techniques such as assembling geometric shapes, merging components, and applying simple transformations to bring design ideas to life. Through hands-on sessions, students learn to navigate multiple visual perspectives and enhance their spatial awareness while developing an appreciation for digital creativity.
Classes are limited to small groups of 5 to 6 students to encourage personalized learning and teamwork. Each one-hour class balances guided instruction with exploration, allowing students to turn their imagination into real 3D-printed objects. By the end of the course, students not only understand core design concepts but also develop confidence, communication, and collaboration skills that lay the groundwork for future creative and technical endeavors.
This level does not include competitive exams, but it provides foundational exposure to CAD and spatial reasoning in a supportive, engaging environment.
3D Design – Level 2: Intermediate 3D Design #
This program builds on the foundational skills acquired in Level 1 and is ideal for students aged 9 who are ready to work with more advanced 3D modeling tools. At this stage, learners delve deeper into structural design by creating movable models, designing mechanical features, and constructing LEGO-compatible components. They are introduced to real-world engineering contexts and design processes, allowing them to understand how digital models can translate into functioning mechanical structures.
Throughout the course, students explore the full design pipeline, including importing/exporting projects, incorporating textures, and refining visual aesthetics. Independent design challenges provide space for students to experiment with complex ideas, while group activities strengthen peer collaboration and problem-solving. Additionally, students start compiling a digital portfolio, showcasing their projects and progress across sessions.
This intermediate course marks a pivotal point in the 3D Design track, equipping students with the applied knowledge and confidence to approach design from a product-development perspective.
3D Design – Level 3: Advanced Elementary Design #
This advanced course is tailored for students aged 10 and up who have a solid background in intermediate 3D design. It introduces professional design concepts using engineering-grade modeling tools and explores their application in real-world problem-solving. Students are challenged to conceptualize, prototype, and refine complex mechanical assemblies that simulate robotics mechanisms, architectural structures, and industrial products.
Emphasis is placed on accuracy, tolerancing, and structural viability, encouraging students to approach design with both creativity and critical thinking. Large-scale group projects and competitions simulate industry-style workflows and prepare students to meet technical standards. Students also learn how to align their designs with motor systems and other functional interfaces.
By the end of this course, students will have a robust portfolio that reflects not just creativity but also engineering logic and readiness for high-level competitions such as NASA’s Centennial Challenges and international 3D design showcases.
3D Design – Blender (Foundational to Advanced) #
For students between the ages of 10 to 18, the Blender program offers a comprehensive introduction to professional 3D creation. The course begins with the basics of navigation, object modeling, and scene composition in Blender. Students are taught how to sculpt objects, manipulate materials, apply lighting, and animate sequences to build complete digital environments.
As learners progress, they engage in advanced tasks such as creating character models, designing assets for game environments, and producing short animated clips. The combination of technical instruction and storytelling gives students an edge in both design proficiency and artistic communication. Whether aiming for careers in animation, game development, product design, or virtual architecture, students emerge from the course with a fully realized project portfolio and fluency in a world-class 3D software tool.
The course prepares students for Blender Foundation Certification and sets the stage for further specialization in visual media and digital arts.
