The Arizona STEM �Acceleration Project

2025

Exploring Technology with 3D Pens

Exploring Technology with 3D Pens introduces students to hands-on innovation by combining creativity and technology. Students learn how 3D pens work, practice designing and designing cultural images, and explore real-world applications in art, STEM, and problem-solving. This activity promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and an understanding of how emerging technologies can enhance learning and creative expression.

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Grade Level: 8th-12th

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Laura Dale

The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Notes for teachers

• This lesson takes place in a classroom for a period of 4 days.
• Students may work in pairs.
• Final project should reflect a chosen image from their Hopi culture.
• You will need to purchase a class set of 3D pens from or enough for students to work in pairs.
• The slideshow is designed for beginning level 3D pen designs in mind.

List of Materials

3D pens (1 per student or 2 students)

Filaments (PLA or ABS) in various colors

Different colors of 8 x 12 Inch Felt Sheets for Crafts

Printed safety guidelines for using 3D pens

Examples of simple 3D designs (e.g., geometric shapes, name tags, or keychains)

Graph paper for initial sketches

Worksheets with guiding questions

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Arizona Educational Technology Standards

• Strand 1: Creativity and Innovation�
• Concept 1: Knowledge and Ideas�
• PO 1: Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.�
• Concept 2: Models and Simulations�
• PO 1: Use technology to create models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.�
• Strand 4: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making�
• Concept 2: Exploring Solutions�
• PO 1: Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.�
• Strand 6: Technology Operations and Concepts�
• Concept 1: Understanding Technology�
• PO 1: Demonstrate an understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.�

These standards support activities where students use 3D pens to design and create models, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.

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Arizona Visual Arts Standards

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• Creating�
• VA.CR.2.1: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.�
• VA.CR.3.1: Refine and complete artistic work.Arizona Department of EducationU.S. Department of Education+4Art Educators+4Arizona Department of Education+4�
• Presenting�
• VA.PR.5.1: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.�
• Connecting�
• VA.CN.10.1: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.Arizona Department of Education�

Using 3D pens allows students to explore new artistic techniques and materials, aligning with these standards.

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Objectives:

I will understand how 3D pens work and their applications in technology and design.

I will explore basic concepts of 3D modeling and material science.

I will create a cultural 3D design or object using a 3D pen.

I will reflect on the role of 3D technology in modern problem-solving.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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How can we use technology to turn our ideas into real objects?�

In what ways do tools like 3D pens change the way we design and build?�

How is using a 3D pen similar to, or different from, traditional drawing?�

What role does creativity play in technology and engineering?�

How might 3D pen designs help solve real-world problems?

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Agenda (Approximately 4 days)

Day 1: Introduction

Engage: Begin with a discussion on how technology has changed the way we create and solve problems. Show examples of 3D printing in action (e.g., prosthetics, architectural models).

Explain: Introduce 3D pens as a tool that allows for hands-on prototyping. Briefly describe how they work (e.g., heating filament to create structures).

Safety Guidelines: Go over the safe use of 3D pens (e.g., avoid touching the hot tip).

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Day 2: Activity Setup

Planning: Distribute graph paper and have students sketch a cultural design they’d like to create (e.g., clan symbols, artwork, or animals).

Group Work: Assign students to groups of 2 to promote collaboration and sharing of ideas.

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Day 3 and 4

Using the 3D Pen:

Demonstrate how to load filament, draw on a flat surface, and create vertical structures.

Let students practice basic lines and shapes before starting their designs.

Create Designs:

Students use their sketches as guides to build their images or objects.

Encourage creativity, such as adding details or layering colors.

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Step by Step Instructions

Working in pairs students will complete the following steps:

Use a 3D pen to create a design or object that shows how technology helps us turn ideas into cultural images. .

Step 1: Safety First

• Put on safety glasses if provided.
• Never touch the hot tip of the 3D pen.
• Always place the pen back in its stand when not using it.

Step 2: Get Ready

1. Plug in the 3D pen and let it heat up.
2. Load the filament when the pen shows it’s ready (usually by pressing the feed button).
3. Test on scrap paper to make sure filament flows smoothly.

Step 3: Practice Lines & Shapes

• Start by drawing straight lines, circles, and squares on paper or a template sheet.
• Try tracing over a printed design to practice control.�

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Step 4: Build Your Design

• Begin Simple: Create a flat shape (like a star, heart, or Hopi pattern) on paper.
• Lift Up: Once confident, try connecting shapes to build a 3D object (like a cube, pyramid, or mini structure).
• Cultural Connection Option: Choose a symbol, pattern, or design meaningful to you and begin design..

Step 5: Strengthen & Add Details

• Go over weak lines with extra filament.
• Add details like patterns, textures, or connecting parts.

Step 6: Share & Reflect

• In your notebook, write or draw:
• What worked well?
• What was challenging?
• How could technology like this be used in real life?�

✅ Teacher Tip: Provide stencils/templates (basic shapes, cultural symbols or objects, geometric forms) for remediation, while encouraging enrichment students to design freehand or create 3D objects with moving parts.

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Assessment

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Participation in group discussions and activities.

Creativity and effort in their cultural 3D designs.

Ability to connect 3D pen usage to broader technological concepts.

Present and place their design in the class “Showcase Table”

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Differentiation

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

1. Scaffolded Instructions

• Provide step-by-step visual guides with pictures or diagrams of each stage (loading filament, drawing lines, building shapes).�
• Break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks (e.g., first draw a line, then a square, then connect shapes).

2. Modified Projects

• Offer simpler templates (basic shapes, stencils, or outlines on paper) so students who struggle can still complete a successful design.�
• Allow advanced students to attempt freehand or multi-layered structures, while others stick to flat or single-layer designs.

3. Adjusting Time & Expectations

• Give extended time to complete projects.�
• Focus assessment more on effort, process, and creativity rather than technical perfection.

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1. Integration with Technology

• Have students design digitally first using Tinkercad or another simple CAD program, then try to recreate their model with the 3D pen.�
• Encourage them to compare 3D pen building vs. 3D printing (precision, time, creativity).

2. Presentation & Reflection

• Students create a mini showcase: display their design and explain materials, process, and challenges.�
• Advanced students can even make a tutorial video for beginners.

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