Bringing CAD and 3D Printing into Many Subject Areas
3D models can serve as interactive illustrations that students can manipulate to learn key concepts
By Joshua Manley
At a recent educator event I attended called Educating for Careers, I noticed something remarkable. As I spoke with teachers from many disciplines—biology, math, health sciences, agriculture, and even a police academy—each one found meaningful ways to connect 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) to their subject. It didn’t matter if they were teaching complex science concepts or exploring social studies topics; they saw how CAD and 3D printing could enhance their lessons.
This experience revealed something important: if we want to expand the impact of CAD and 3D printing in education, we need to diversify the types of classrooms that embrace it. The truth is, 3D printing isn’t just for engineering or design courses—it’s a powerful tool that can bring ideas to life across subjects, providing the kind of tangibility many students crave.
Making CAD Accessible with Tinkercad
One of the biggest hurdles for educators is the assumption that CAD is complicated. But tools like Tinkercad, which has over 90 million users, have made 3D design accessible to everyone. Teachers don’t need to know how to build complex models from scratch—they can simply search for existing models related to their subject and use them to enhance their lessons.
For example, a biology teacher can pull up detailed cell models or DNA structures directly in Tinkercad and then ask their students to interact with different parts of the model. Math teachers can find geometric shapes to illustrate key concepts. Health science instructors can explore prosthetic designs or anatomical models. All it takes is creating a free Tinkercad account, typing keywords into the search bar, and finding models that align with their lesson plans.
Unlocking Curiosity and Creativity in Any Subject
Once educators see how CAD can enrich their curriculum, the possibilities multiply. Here’s how different subjects can benefit:
Biology – Instead of simply looking at textbook diagrams, students can design and print detailed models of cells, organs, or even DNA sequences to explore their structures up close. Imagine students 3D printing a virus model and annotating its key components.
Math – Concepts like geometry, algebra, and trigonometry come to life when students can create their own 3D models. A math teacher might have students design and print tessellations, Pythagorean theorem proofs, or custom-shaped dice to explore probability. (See the Math books (Calculus, Geometry and Trigonometry) published by Make: Press and written by Joan Horvath and Rich Cameron —DD).
Health Sciences – Instead of just studying diagrams, students can print anatomical models of bones, organs, or even prosthetics to better understand medical applications.
History & Social Studies – Students can reconstruct ancient artifacts, historical buildings, or topographical maps of important battlefields, gaining a deeper connection to the past.
Art & Design – CAD allows students to prototype sculptures, design jewelry, or create custom props, bridging the gap between digital design and physical craftsmanship.
By integrating CAD and 3D printing into these subjects, educators can move beyond textbooks and lectures. They can create hands-on learning experiences that engage students in powerful ways.
How CAD Models Benefit Students
Beyond making lessons more interactive, CAD and 3D printing have significant educational benefits. Research shows that students who engage with 3D models develop stronger spatial reasoning skills, which are crucial in STEM fields. Working with CAD also enhances problem-solving abilities as students must think critically about scale, design constraints, and material limitations.
Additionally, hands-on learning with CAD fosters creativity and engagement. When students design and print their own projects—whether a functional tool, a historical artifact, or a math concept—it deepens their understanding and provides a sense of accomplishment. This process mimics real-world engineering and design workflows, preparing students for careers in STEM, manufacturing, architecture, and more.
Breaking the Misconception: CAD is a Skill Worth Learning
While CAD can seem intimidating, the key is to start small. Tinkercad’s search feature works like any search engine—just type in what you’re looking for, and you'll find countless pre-made models ready for exploration and printing. Educators who have never touched 3D design before can begin engaging their students with minimal effort, gradually moving from using existing models to creating their own.
For students, CAD isn’t just another tool—it’s a way to think differently. It teaches them to approach problems spatially, work through design challenges, and see their ideas take shape in the physical world. These skills are invaluable, no matter what field they pursue.
Expanding the Reach of 3D Printing in Education
The biggest opportunity now is ensuring CAD and 3D printing spread beyond traditional STEM classes. By introducing these tools in a wider variety of subjects, we can inspire more students to engage deeply with their learning.
I encourage teachers of all subjects to give it a try. Start by exploring Tinkercad, searching for models that align with your subject, and imagining how those designs could enhance your lessons. Whether you’re printing cell models, geometric shapes, or historical artifacts, you’ll be creating richer, more engaging experiences for your students—and that’s the ultimate goal of maker education.
CAD and 3D printing have the power to connect ideas, spark curiosity, and deepen learning. The more classrooms that embrace it, the greater the impact we can have.
Joshua Manley is the co-founder and CEO of CADclass, coauthor of several best-selling CAD books, and an Autodesk Learning Partner. As a CNC/CAD professor and published scientist, he is dedicated to empowering makers, engineers, and educators to transform their ideas into reality. With experience as the former education director of a leading maker space, Joshua has taught thousands of students, educators, and administrators across the globe. His TED-Ed talk on bicycle physics has millions of views. You can email him at Josh@CADclass.org.
Register for Tinkercad Workshop April 7th
Join us for this free virtual workshop about new features in Tinkercad on Monday April 7 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET. The workshop will be 1.5hrs and conducted via Zoom.
The workshop will be led by Jason Erdreich, author of Taking Tinkercad to the Next Level. He will share his expertise about the newest features of Tinkercad including remote control in Sim Lab and the new Draw tool. You can learn more about Jason's work at www.mrerdreich.com
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