Get Organized for 3D Printing: How to Make Student Design Bags

Get Organized for 3D Printing: How to Make Student Design Bags

If you’re diving into 3D printing with your students, you already know how many materials and tools are involved in the process. One of the best ways I’ve found to keep everything organized and to help students take ownership of their creative process is by using 3D Print Design Bags. These bags stay with me between sessions, but students get to use and build on them throughout the semester.

Watch the YouTube video of me explaining these bags:

Here’s what I include in each student’s design bag and why each item is useful.

Grab the entire shoppable list here.

Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.

 

1. Notebook

On the very first day, we use decorating the notebook as a warm-up activity. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to kick off our design thinking. Throughout the semester, this notebook becomes the place where students sketch ideas, take notes, reflect on projects, and glue in additional planning sheets.

Grab the notebooks here 

2. Ruler

A ruler is essential when we talk about scale and real-world measurements in 3D modeling. It helps students move from imaginative ideas to practical, printable designs.

Grab a class set of rulers here

3. Graph Paper

While not always a daily item, I’ll sometimes add graph paper to the bags when we’re working on precision and scale. It’s a great tool for practicing before moving into digital modeling platforms.

My favorite graph paper that works well for 3D printed designs.

4. Glue Stick

This might sound simple, but it’s super helpful. Students glue in important handouts, planning templates, and notes directly into their notebooks. This keeps everything in one place and eliminates the “lost paper” problem.

Hands-down, the best glue sticks to splurge on

5. Pencils

Design always starts with a sketch, and having a couple of pencils on hand ensures no one has to borrow or go searching during a session.

Can’t go wrong with these pencils

6. Computer Mouse

This might be the most underrated item in the bag. Most 3D modeling platforms are far easier to navigate with a mouse than with a trackpad. Plus, there are useful shortcuts students can use to speed up their design process.

Grab this class set of computer mice.

Storage Tips

At the end of each class, students return all materials to their bags. I collect the bags and store them between sessions to keep supplies organized and prevent loss. When students come in the following week, their bags are ready and waiting for them to jump back into creating. You can store all of the supplies in these bags. 

Final Thoughts

These design bags have completely streamlined how I manage materials for my 3D printing club. They give students a sense of ownership over their tools and work, while helping me stay organized without scrambling for supplies each week. Grab the entire shoppable list here.

What do you think—would you try using 3D Print Design Bags with your students?

Related Podcast Episodes/Blog Posts:

More About The Author, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a K-5 STEM educator and business owner in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

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