Getting Started with 3D Printing in the Classroom: Beginner’s Guide
3D printing has moved from industry labs into everyday classrooms. Today, schools of all sizes are using this technology to make learning more engaging, hands-on, and creative. Whether students are building models of ecosystems, printing parts for engineering projects, or designing custom classroom tools, 3D printing gives them a chance to bring ideas into the real world.
For many educators, the hardest step is knowing how to begin. Which printer makes sense for a classroom? What projects will spark interest? How do teachers build confidence without feeling like experts? This guide answers those questions while introducing the Imagin3D Package from AGC Education – a complete solution designed to help schools launch 3D printing programs with ease.
Why 3D Printing Belongs in the Classroom
3D printing supports learning across nearly every subject area, making it one of the most versatile tools schools can introduce. Instead of staying siloed in one department, it creates opportunities for collaboration between teachers, subjects, and grade levels – lending itself well to project-based learning.
- STEM Integration: Students explore design thinking, engineering, and real-world problem solving.
- Math Connections: Geometry, measurement, and scale become tangible through models students can hold.
- Science Exploration: From molecules to fossils, printed models help learners visualize abstract concepts.
- Arts and Humanities: Projects like dioramas and storytelling artifacts blend creativity with content knowledge.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE): Students gain exposure to tools used in modern industries such as healthcare, architecture, and manufacturing.
By combining creativity with technical skills, 3D printing not only enriches daily classroom learning but also prepares students for the future.
Step 1: Choose the Best 3D Printer for your School
Not every 3D printer is a good fit for education. Many consumer models are built for hobbyists or industry, not the classroom. Schools need printers that are safe, dependable, and simple to manage – tools designed to meet the unique demands of teaching and learning.
That’s where the Imagin3D Package comes in. Built with an Artillery core, this bundle is designed to meet the specific needs of educators and students.
Key features include:
- Enclosed Build Chamber with Lighting and Ventilation: Keeps prints contained, reduces odors, and allows teachers to monitor projects safely.
- Auto Bed Leveling: Eliminates calibration headaches so prints succeed on the first try.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Teachers can send files directly to the printer without swapping USB drives.
- Starter Kit Included: Comes with five colors of PLA filament and a complete toolkit for maintenance and finishing.
- Peace of Mind: A two-year warranty, plus U.S.-based support from AGC Education.
This combination of features means teachers can focus on projects instead of troubleshooting.
Step 2: Start with Ready-to-Use Lesson Plans
Having a printer is only part of the equation. Teachers also need ideas that fit into real classrooms. That’s why AGC developed STEM3D Lesson Starters — 20 ready-to-use activities that make it simple to introduce 3D printing across content areas.
Examples include:
- Dig A Dino: Print and assemble a dinosaur skeleton for a hands-on science project.
- De-Stress Plan: Design and print fidget spinners while exploring balance and rotational movement.
- Measuring 3D Angles: Create tools that connect geometry to engineering practice.
- Build a Diorama: Print plants, animals, and scenery to build detailed dioramas for history or ELA.
These lessons provide a solid foundation while allowing teachers to adapt and add their own creative touches.
Step 3: Support Teachers with Professional Development
Even with the best 3D printer in the world, success in the classroom comes down to one thing: teacher confidence. That’s why every Imagin3D Package includes access to EmpowR Academy, our professional development program built specifically for educators.
EmpowR is designed to meet teachers and schools exactly where they are. Whether you’re brand new to 3D printing or looking to connect technology with broader schoolwide goals, there’s a level that fits your needs.
Standard
Perfect for beginners, this level provides step-by-step guidance on using the equipment. Teachers learn setup, slicing software, filament loading, classroom safety, and troubleshooting. Standard ensures every educator can get started with confidence right out of the box.
Premier
For schools ready to move beyond “how it works” into “how it fits,” Premier focuses on curriculum connections and classroom integration. Teachers receive lesson templates, ready-to-use STL files, and resources that tie directly into math, science, ELA, and art projects. This level bridges the gap between technology and teaching, making 3D printing a natural extension of the curriculum.
Platinum
Designed for schools that want 3D printing to support bigger initiatives, Platinum goes beyond classroom integration. In addition to all the Premier resources, it includes advanced professional development on connecting 3D printing with PBIS, SEL, climate and culture, and even fundraising efforts. Platinum equips educators not just to use 3D printing, but to leverage it as a tool for schoolwide growth and transformation.
With this tiered approach, teachers aren’t locked into a “one-size-fits-all” training. Instead, schools can choose the path that makes sense for their staff and their goals — knowing they’ll have the support and resources to succeed at every step.
Step 4: Count on Training and Classroom Support
When schools buy a 3D printer off-the-shelf, they often discover that help is limited or nonexistent once the box is open. That’s where AGC stands out. We know teachers don’t have time to dig through forums or troubleshoot alone, which is why every Imagin3D Package comes backed by people and resources designed specifically for education.
Our U.S.-based team of education specialists is always just a phone call or email away, ready to walk you through any challenge. Whether you’re unboxing your printer for the first time or tackling a complex classroom project, you’ll have step-by-step guidance that grows with you. Beyond technical help, schools also gain access to education-specific resources – including ready-to-use lesson starters, professional development opportunities, and ongoing updates tailored for teachers.
This combination of personal support and classroom-ready content means schools are never left to figure things out alone. Instead, teachers can focus on what matters most: guiding students and inspiring creativity.
Step 5: Grow Your 3D Printing Program Over Time
Launching a 3D printing program doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Most schools start small with simple projects – keychains, classroom tools, or basic prototypes – and gradually build confidence. With each success, teachers and students begin to imagine bigger possibilities and take on more ambitious work.
Over time, those first projects can evolve into:
- Robotics parts and engineering prototypes
- Projects that support school-wide initiatives like PBIS or fundraising
- Cross-curricular projects that combine science, math, and art
- Career-focused CTE applications such as medical models or architectural drafts
- Extracurricular STEAM clubs and makerspaces
The Imagin3D Package is built to support that growth. It provides a solid foundation that lets teachers and schools expand at their own pace – whether you want to start with small classroom wins or develop a full-scale program that transforms how students learn and engage.
What Teachers and Schools Are Saying
When it comes to customer support and ease of ordering supplies AGC is top notch! Many companies forget who their customers are once the check has been signed. AGC stands out above them all!
Kenneth D Bailey Staff
Kenneth D. Bailey Academy, ILGreat Customer Services, No Voice Mails, Instant assistance great training and a great system all rolled up in one.
Julie B.
Abraham Lincoln Elementary, CAGreat Training Program and customer Service
Darryl Y.
Griffin Middle, GAExtremely patient, kind and resourceful (especially with a first time, inexperienced, needy media specialist)
Laura C.
Cedartown Middle School, GAWent through the training 1,2,3. Love the ease of use and great customer service at any time
Janelle H.
Martin Grade School, SDFrequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing in Schools
Which 3D printer works best for a classroom setting?
The Imagin3D Package is built to help teachers succeed from day one. Beyond the printer itself, the package includes 20 ready-to-use STEM3D lessons, access to EmpowR Academy for professional development, and ongoing support from AGC’s U.S.-based education specialists. Whether you need guidance on getting started, troubleshooting, or integrating 3D printing into your curriculum and school initiatives, the resources and support provided make it easier to focus on teaching and engaging students, rather than worrying about technical challenges.
What do you need to start 3D printing in the classroom?
To get started, you need three things: a reliable printer, filament, and classroom projects. The Imagin3D Package provides all of this, plus guidance through EmpowR Academy. Teachers gain access to on-demand modules and live sessions covering setup, software, troubleshooting, and classroom implementation tips. This combination ensures you can start printing meaningful projects with your students on day one without feeling overwhelmed.
How can students use 3D printers in school?
Students can use 3D printers to bring learning to life across subjects. In science, they might create models of dinosaurs or molecules, while math lessons become hands-on through custom tools and 3D shapes. Arts and humanities projects can include dioramas, sculptures, or artifacts to enrich storytelling. Engineering and CTE classes benefit from designing and prototyping functional models. These activities build design thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.
How can teachers learn to use a 3D printer?
Teachers can learn through EmpowR Academy, which provides training that meets them where they’re at. The Standard level walks beginners through every step: setup, slicing software, filament management, and troubleshooting. Premier and Platinum levels add curriculum integration, templates, STL files, and guidance on connecting projects to school initiatives like PBIS, SEL, and culture-building activities. With structured, tiered support, educators can choose the level that fits their skills, schedule, and classroom goals.
Is 3D printing worth it for schools?
Absolutely! 3D printing provides hands-on learning opportunities that help students understand STEM concepts, develop creative thinking, and gain skills relevant to future careers. With the right support, lesson resources, and teacher training, schools can turn 3D printing into a transformative educational tool.
Final Thoughts: A Teacher-Friendly Way to Get Started with 3D Printing
As a teacher, introducing a new technology can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. The Imagin3D Package gives you everything you need to bring 3D printing into your classroom with confidence. From a reliable, classroom-ready printer to five colors of filament, a 3D printing toolkit, and 20 ready-to-use STEM3D lessons, the package is designed so you can focus on teaching instead of troubleshooting. Plus, with EmpowR Academy, you can choose the training level that fits your comfort and goals.
This all-in-one solution puts teachers first. You get support every step of the way, practical resources for your classroom, and the flexibility to grow your program at your own pace. By starting with Imagin3D, you can bring 3D printing to life for your students, making STEM learning more interactive, meaningful, and fun.