Makers Empire's Learning Experiences

Makers Empire’s short activities are perfect for busy teachers and librarians. Designed to fit into tight schedules, they offer hands-on, engaging experiences that build key design skills, support STEM learning, and foster creativity and collaboration — all with minimal prep and maximum impact.

Science

Colourful Bubbles

Grades k-2

1-2 lessons

3D printer recommended

Learners engage with learning about bubbles and light by designing and printing a custom bubble wand.

Extension:
Make and record observations about soap bubbles.

Life Cycles

Grades 3-4

1-2 lessons

3D printer optional

Students investigate the stages in a lifecycle (for example, a frog). They work in groups to design and create 3D models of each stage in the lifecycle.

Optional:
Groups assemble their lifecycle using the Arenas Module, rather than 3D printing them.

Design a Solar System

Grades 4-6

2-3 lessons

3D printer optional

Students demonstrate their understanding that the Earth is part of a system of planets orbiting around a star. They work in groups to design and create each planet and then assemble them as a solar system.

Extension:
Students use the Augmented Reality or the Arenas Module to assemble their solar system.

English and Language Arts

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Grades 1-2

1-2 lessons

3D printer optional

After reading the story, students design and create their own 3D caterpillar. This can be done in small groups or as a whole class activity.

Optional:
Learners display their caterpillars in an exhibit using Augmented Reality or the Arenas Module. Search for “caterpillar” on the Learning Experience page.

The Most Magnificent Thing

Grades k-5

2-3 lessons

3D printer optional

Using the book The Most Magnificent Thing as inspiration, students design their own magnificent inventions.

Optional:
Learners display their inventions in an exhibit using Augmented Reality or the Arenas Module. Search for “caterpillar” on the Learning Experience page.

Mathematics

Where am I?

Grades k-1

1 lesson

3D printer optional

Help your students master positional language in a fun and interactive way. Watch as they collaborate, follow directions, and build confidence in using spatial language through hands-on 3D exploration!

Optional:
Learners use the Arenas Module to explore positional language in a virtual world, navigating objects in real-time

Amazing Mazes

Grades 2-8

1-2 lessons

3D printer recommended

Get ready to unleash your inner architect and puzzle master! Let’s build mazes that are not just fun to solve, but amazing to behold! We’ll learn how to manipulate shapes, build structures, and design pathways in a 3D space. Are you ready to step into the 3D maze adventure?

Materials needs if 3D printing:
3mm ball bearing & piece of clear plastic

Rotations, Reflections & Translations

Grades 5-7

1 lesson

3D printer optional

Students use Makers Empire’s Blocker Module to experiment with the concept of transformations in multiples of 90 degrees.

They create and recreate 3D shapes using rotations, reflections, and translations.

Art and Design

Game On!

Grades k-8

1-2 lessons

3D printer recommended

Get ready to unleash your inner artist and craft original game pieces! We’re talking tiny treasures, mini-marvels, and pocket-sized pals that’ll make your board game pop.

You will design your own unique game pieces or can create an existing one to replace a missing game piece from your collection. 
 

Gratitude Cards

Grades 3-6

1-2 lessons

3D printer recommended

Students think about the people in their lives they are grateful for. They create and 3D print stamps to make their own greeting cards for friends and family.

Health and Wellbeing

How Full is Your Bucket?

Grades k-1

1 lesson

3D printer optional

Inspired by the book, How Full is Your Bucket, – which deals with well-being – students design buckets that remind them to help keep their ‘buckets’ full of positive activities.

Optional:
Learners display their buckets using images or Augmented Reality.

All About Me

Grades k-1

1 lesson

3D printer optional

Students get to know one another better to build a positive classroom community. They use Blocker to create a design that is unique to them.

Extension:
Descriptive writing activity.

Optional:
Students download their creations as a GLB or JPEG file to use in a presentation.

Fidget and Fiddle

Grades 5-6

1-2 lessons

3D printer optional

Students develop empathy and understanding for others by designing fidget toys for people who might benefit from them.

They research the benefits and different types of fiddle toys and use this information to design and 3D print fiddle toys for other people in the community.

Optional:
Students download their creations as a GLB or JPEG file to use in a presentation, explaining their design.

Don’t have the Makers Empire 3D Design app yet?