Science fairs are often some of the most cherished memories from one’s school days, providing a platform for young minds to explore their creativity and cu/riosity. With the help of 3D printing technology, the possibilities for fun and engaging science fair projects are endless, catering to all age groups.
To make it easier to choose, we have categorized the projects into three age groups: 8-12, 13-15, and 16-18 years old, starting with the simpler projects for the younger ones and increasing the complexity as we move up. However, additional tools outside of what can be made with a 3D printer may be required for more complex projects.
While the projects are relatively simple and easy, it’s crucial to prioritize safety by working with adult supervision. Discover the secrets of the universe with these exciting projects and inspire the little scientist in you!
Engaging children in learning can be effectively achieved through hands-on science activities. Explore these incredible 3D printing science project ideas to inspire young minds!
Top 3D Printing Science Projects and Ideas
Periscopes may not be a common sight in daily life, but they can serve as an effective learning tool. Children may enjoy peering out from behind the cover of their toy crate, but the scientific principles behind this toy should not be overlooked. The set of angled mirrors within the periscope can reflect light in a manner that enables one to observe what’s happening above.
While the construction of a periscope is relatively simple, it requires glass mirrors for optimal accuracy and image clarity. Although reflective materials other than mirrors may be used for safety reasons, a mirror is still the best option. Additionally, screws and nuts are needed to assemble the apparatus, and painting the inside black is recommended to avoid unwanted reflections.
Designer Martin has created a challenging project suitable for children aged 8-12 years old. The core components of the project are 3D-printed parts, mirrors, and screws, and the instructions can be found on the project page titled “Printables”.
- Designer: Martin
- Suitable for age group: 8-12 years old
- Key components: 3D printed parts, mirrors, screws
- Project page: Printables
Lever Principle
The principles of leveling and balance have practical applications beyond science. Some of these principles are learned unintentionally, but with this 3D print, you can conduct experiments to observe the effects of varying weight loads and test your own theories.
For older children, this print could also serve as a valuable tool for demonstrating the physics of counterweights. Experimenting and learning through hands-on experience is engaging for individuals of all ages and is often more enjoyable than simply learning through formulas.
- Designer: dabe
- Suitable for age group: 8-12 years old
- Key components: 3D-printed parts
- Project page: Thingiverse
Rubber Band Car
This project teaches young children about the fundamental principles of transferring energy to achieve movement. Using only 3D printed parts and rubber bands, this car can be assembled in a matter of minutes with precise mechanisms that create a unique type of engine. Experiment with different types of rubber bands and observe how they affect the distance the car can travel!
The screws and nuts needed for assembly are also 3D printed. Although some tinkering is required to assemble the car, it is an enjoyable activity for children to learn about science or even have a race. Regardless of the purpose, this car project is guaranteed to be loads of fun.
- Designer: Stemfie3D
- Difficulty: Suitable for children aged 8-12
- Core components: 3D printed parts and rubber bands
- Project page: Printables
Frog Dissection Kit
Gone are the days of real frog dissection in classrooms. With a 3D printer, you can create plastic models of frogs and other animals, all without sacrificing lives in the name of science. Explore the intricacies of anatomy without the mess, unpleasant odor, and trauma.
This print also comes with a bonus lesson plan and PDF handouts for easy learning. By printing internal organs in different colors, the learning process becomes even more accessible. Make it a buddy project and help save more plastic frog lives!
- Designer: MakerBot
- Recommended age: 13-15 years old
- Required materials: 3D printed parts
- Project page: Thingiverse
Bionic Hand Skeleton
This 3D printing project is ideal for those who are fascinated by anatomy, especially the way our fingers work. The hand model is based on a design used in prosthetics, and it features ribbons that simulate tendons. By experimenting with different positions and tensions of the ribbons, you can observe and understand the complex mechanisms of finger movement.
Whether you use it as a visual aid for anatomy lessons, a puzzle to test your knowledge, or simply a fun and interactive way to learn about the human body, this hand model is sure to capture your interest and imagination.
- Creator: HendoJ
- Level of difficulty: Suitable for ages 13-15
- Key components: 3D printed parts, ribbon, wooden board, screws
- Project instructions are available at Instructables
Gravitational Energy
Sustainability is increasingly important in our world today, and it’s especially crucial for the younger generation to learn about and embrace sustainable practices. 3D printing is a versatile technology that can help us develop innovative solutions to reduce waste and save energy. Alongside solar and wind power, gravitational energy is another promising option to explore.
This 3D print demonstrates the concept of a “gravity battery,” which stores wind energy using gears to lift a weighted bar. When the bar reaches its maximum height, releasing it turns separate gears that drive a fan, producing energy. You can even enhance its efficiency by adding bearings.
The recommended material for this print is ABS with 30% infill, except for the weighted bar, which should have 100% infill. Give it a try to see how gravity can help us achieve a more sustainable future!
- Designer: hyperplanemike
- Difficulty: Intermediate (13-15 years old)
- Core components: 3D printed parts
- Project page: Thingiverse
Telescope Based on Newtonian Optics
Exploring the mysteries of the universe can spark a fascination from a young age. If you’re interested in peering beyond the sky, this 3D print is an excellent science project that can keep you engaged with astronomy for a long time. The stunning Newtonian telescope uses a larger primary mirror and a smaller secondary mirror to give you a closer view of celestial objects. Despite the open design, you’ll be able to see some incredible and breathtaking images.
Crafting your own telescope comes with the added benefit of learning through the various adjustments and modifications possible. 3D printing is the perfect tool for experimentation because it enables easy modification of your design, allowing you to print a new one if needed. This might be the first of many 3D-printed telescopes you create. The same designer has also shared a more advanced model for you to explore next!
- Designer: Greyman633
- Difficulty level: Suitable for ages 13-15
- Core components: 3D printed parts, aluminum bars, mirrors, lens, screws
- Project page: Available on Thingiverse
Minimalist Colorimeter
Creating a colorimeter is a fascinating and rewarding experience, allowing you to measure color changes in liquid solutions by passing light through them. It typically consists of three components – a light source, a sample solution in a cuvette, and a photocell to detect the outgoing light.
The potential applications of this DIY laboratory tool are vast, from tracking the development of bacterial or yeast cultures to testing water quality for unwanted chemicals. The project page offers an intriguing experiment using a color-changing solution derived from red cabbage. The red cabbage solution changes color based on the pH level, which can be measured with your new colorimeter.
Designer: fluid moving fire Difficulty: 16-18 years old Core components: 3D printed parts, battery case, Arduino Pro Mini, OLED display, potentiometer, RGB LEDs, photo-diodes, switches, cuvettes Project page: Thingiverse
Designer: fluid moving fire
Difficulty: 16-18 years old Core components: 3D printed parts, battery case, Arduino Pro Mini, OLED display, potentiometer, RGB LEDs, photo-diodes, switches, cuvettes Project page: Thingiverse
Acoustic Levitator
This project showcases a fascinating use of sound to levitate liquids, solids, and even tiny creatures like ants. With the help of 72 transducers, this scientific experiment challenges your perception and suspends objects in the air. Although it may seem daunting initially, over 60 people have already shared their completed versions on Instructables, demonstrating that you can do it too!
To complete this project, it is essential to take great care in assembling the transducers, ensuring that they are connected in the correct polarity and placed in an orderly manner on the printed structure.
The project page also features a smaller version, which uses only an Arduino Nano and two transducers, that you can experiment with.
Designer: UpnaLab Difficulty: 16-18 years old Core components: 3D printed parts, transducers, Arduino Nano, L298N Motor Drive Board, wood or acrylic, power switch, DC adaptor, DC female connector, wires Project page: Instructables
Self-Balancing Robot
This fast and stable robot is designed for racing and battles and has the ability to balance itself. With the help of a downloadable app at google play or Apple App , controlling this robot is a breeze. You can experiment with improving the design or challenging its balancing skills.
The creator has made assembling the robot as easy as possible, providing tutorials on YouTube for both DEVIA control board and Brain Shield options, as well as GitHub and Instructables pages.
Updates to the robot include a 40-meter control distance, and the components used in this project can be reused for other entry-level robotics projects like the Air Hockey Robot, Sphere-O-Bot, iBoardbot, and Camera Slider Robot.
Designer: jjrobots Difficulty: 16-18 years old Core components: 3D printed parts, DEVIA control board, USB cable, stepper motors, stepper motor driver, AA battery case with switch, bolts, nuts Project page: Thingiverse, Instructables, GitHub