Makers Empire Design Missions – Super Quick Lesson Ideas for Teachers

Makers Empire’s engaging, educational and ready-to-use Design Missions are a fantastic resource for busy teachers. Scroll down to browse from 90 x daily 30-minute Design Missions, split into three grade bands: K-2, 3-4 and 5-6.

All Design Missions are aligned to international standards so you know exactly what your students are learning. Makers Empire is also certified by the Education Alliance Finland for pedagogical quality so you can be confident that students are learning with a world-class EdTech tool.

Simply find a Design Mission that suits your class and click the link to assign it to your students. It’s that easy.

Find Design Missions by grade level

K-23-45-6


Colorful toys on a desktop

Lesson 1
Terrific Toys

Think about the different toys you own. Are any of them made from natural materials like wood or paper? Choose one of these toys and make a copy of it in Makers Empire 3D.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 2
Super Powers

Think about a technology you use that makes you stronger or faster, like a hammer or a scooter. Design your own version in Makers Empire 3D and explain how it makes you stronger or faster.

Assign for your class | Example video

mug of hot chocolate

Lesson 3
Hot Chocolate

Think about drinking a yummy hot chocolate. Design a mug for drinking hot chocolate that you can hold easily without burning your hands.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 4
Cook’s Helper

Watch a grown-up cooking dinner. Make a list with words or pictures of three pieces of equipment they use. Choose one of those items and make your own version of it in Makers Empire 3D.

Assign for your class | Example video

close up of cactus needles

Lesson 5
Prickle Pickle

The lawn in Jill’s back yard is full of prickles. Jill has bare feet. Design something that Jill needs so she can play on the lawn.

Assign for your class | Example video

multicoloured fedora hats on a rack

Lesson 6
Hurrah for Hats

Design a funny hat. It should be extra silly!

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 7
Ultimate Car

List five features for an Ultimate Car. Choose the three best ideas and design a car with those features.

Assign for your class | Example video

top view of a breakfast table with waffles, eggs and fruit

Lesson 8
Favourite Food

Make a model of your favourite food using only shapes from the Basic Shapes menu.

Assign for your class | Example video

soft toys in a chest

Lesson 9
Tidy Toys

Make a square toybox with one simple toy next to it, and one simple toy on top of it.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 10
Handy Hook

Design a hook for your school bag, that will not let the bag fall off easily.

Assign for your class | Example video

antique chair in a sunroom

Lesson 11
Goldilocks’ Chair

Design a chair for Goldilocks that won’t break when she sits down on it.

Assign for your class | Example video

woman with silly fake moustache and glasses

Lesson 12
Funny Face

Design a silly mask that will make your friends laugh.

Assign for your class | Example video


bird's nest with blue egg

Lesson 13
Nest Rest

We made this bird’s nest for our friend Mrs Pigeon, but she says it doesn’t look enough like a real bird’s nest. Can you improve it?

Assign for your class | Example video

ornate magnet with note

Lesson 14
Marvellous Magnet

Design a fridge magnet for your fridge at home. Start with a rectangle shape. Then add words and decorations to complete your magnet.

Assign for your class | Example video

canvas shoes with illustrations

Lesson 15
Crazy Shoes

Working with a partner, design some crazy shoes for a teddy bear. The weirder the better!

Assign for your class | Example video


yellow lunch box with a single muffin inside

Lesson 16
Wrapping Up

How is your lunch packed for school? Are there containers or wraps like lunchboxes or bags that can be washed and re-used, rather than thrown in the bin? Choose one item that is used to pack your lunch, and make a copy of it in Makers Empire 3D.

Assign for your class | Example video

small child trying to reach strawberries on a kitchen bench

Lesson 17
A Little Help

Think of something you use that helps you fit or reach somewhere designed for bigger people, like a step-stool or a car booster seat. Design your own version in Makers Empire 3D, and explain how it helps kids fit or reach somewhere.

Assign for your class | Example video

young girl smiling with missing front teeth

Lesson 18
Tooth Fairy

Have you ever left a tooth under your pillow for the Tooth Fairy? Design a container to put a tooth in underneath your pillow. It should keep the tooth from touching your sheets, and be a size and shape that doesn’t poke your head through the pillow.

Assign for your class | Example video


rusted vintage red wagon cart

Lesson 19
Toy Memories

Ask a grandparent about a toy they liked playing with when they were a child. Ask them what it was made of, and why they liked playing with it. Design a version of that toy in Makers Empire 3D.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 20
Fun for Fish

Goldfish are playful, and like to have things to do. Goldie the goldfish lives in a tank that contains only water. Design something to help Goldie.

Assign for your class | Example video

light brown stuffed bear toy

Lesson 21
Bedtime Ted

Design a bed for a teddy. It should include a decoration that shows it is a teddy bear’s bed.

Assign for your class | Example video


many coloured umbrellas

Lesson 22
My Colour

What is your favourite colour? List some objects that are that colour (e.g. red = apples, fire trucks). Choose one of those objects to create in Makers Empire 3D.

Assign for your class | Example video

stack of colorful toy blocks

Lesson 23
Block Set

Make a set of blocks for a small child. There should be 5 blocks, each of a different size and colour.

Assign for your class

glass windowed sky scraper building

Lesson 24
Super Skyscraper

Make a tall building with three windows on the front, and a point on the top.

Assign for your class | Example video


plate of spaghetti bolognese

Lesson 25
Slurpy Spaghetti

Design a bowl for eating spaghetti without making a mess.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 26
Giant Mug

Jack wants to make his friend, the giant, a cup of tea. Design a mug with BIG handles to fit the giant’s big fingers.

Assign for your class | Example video

plastic cup full of many coloured pencils

Lesson 27
Clever Cup

Design a pencil cup that is an unusual shape, not round or rectangular. It needs to hold 10 pencils.

Assign for your class | Example video


cardboard box with a teddy bear inside

Lesson 28
Boring Box

This toy box is hard to pick up and carry. Can you make it easier to carry?

Assign for your class | Example video

colourful ice cream cone

Lesson 29
Four Flavours

Make a MEGA ice-cream. Start with a cone shape. Then add four scoops of different coloured ice-cream on top of the cone.

Assign for your class | Example video

woven baskets

Lesson 30
Buyer’s Basket

Working with a partner, design a reusable shopping basket for your family to take to the supermarket.

Assign for your class | Example video


baby in a highchair chewing a plastic spoon

Lesson 1
Little Hands

Think about babies learning to eat with a spoon. Design a spoon that a baby could hold and use to eat custard.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 2
Rolling Along

Design a toy for babies that rolls on the floor. Explain how your design choices help the toy to roll easily.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 3
Super Slide

Design a playground slide that three kids can slide down at the same time. It should be safe for all three kids to climb up and slide down without bumping into each other.

Assign for your class | Example video


an ant carrying a leaf

Lesson 4
Ant Action

Watch some ants for one minute. Put a small obstacle (e.g. a leaf) in their way, and guess whether they will go over it or around it. Then design something that could help ants get past obstacles.

Assign for your class | Example video

a wall full of trophies

Lesson 5
Top Trophies

A local sports club wants to 3D print ten trophies for their annual sports day. They don’t have much money to spend on trophies. Design a trophy suitable for their needs.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 6
Slippery Soap

Design a soap dish to hold a slippery bar of soap, to sit on your bathroom sink. It should be designed so that it doesn’t slide around, but stays in place.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 7
Pirate Gold

Design a treasure chest for a pirate’s treasure, with a lid that locks, and handles for carrying.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 8
T-Shirt Time

Design a fun t-shirt. Create the t-shirt in 3D, then add text and flat shapes to decorate it.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 9
Goal!

Design a sports playing field. Include lines on the field, and goals at each end.

Assign for your class | Example video


kid going down slip and slide

Lesson 10
Quick Slide

Design a slippery dip that will be super fast to slide down!

Assign for your class | Example video

close up of monkey bar handles

Lesson 11
Monkey Bars

Design a set of monkey bars for your school playground. The bars should be thin enough to grab onto, but still strong.

Assign for your class | Example video

children's bath toys

Lesson 12
Empty Centre

Design a hollow shape that is completely enclosed and LOOKS solid, but will float in water.

Assign for your class | Example video


hatchlings on forest floor

Lesson 13
Forest Finding

We made this camoflage suit for playing hide-and-seek in the forest, but our friends found us very quickly! Can you make this suit blend in better to the forest?

Assign for your class | Example video

sandals on a sandy beach

Lesson 14
Sandy Shoe

Design a fun beach shoe. It should have a flat base and at least two straps.

Assign for your class | Example video

European castle on a hill

Lesson 15
Creative Castle

In a group (if you can video call some friends), design a castle for the King of Silliness. It should have a moat, towers and a flag– and something silly!

Assign for your class | Example video


siblings on twin beds

Lesson 16
Sharing Space

Think about children who share a bedroom with their brother or sister. Design a room divider that gives each child some personal space, but can be easily packed away when they want to play together.

Assign for your class | Example video

mixed fruit in a clear box

Lesson 17
Fresh Fruit

Design a container for a piece of fruit, to stop it getting bruised in your schoolbag. Explain how your cover will protect the fruit from bumps and bruises.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 18
Granny’s Helper

Your gran is a bit unsteady on her feet and doesn’t like climbing on stools or ladders. She needs help to reach the soft winter coats that she keeps folded on a high shelf in her wardrobe. Design a tool for her to use to get the coats down from the shelf, while she is standing safely on the floor.

Assign for your class | Example video


pegs on a clothes line

Lesson 19
Weary Work

Ask a parent what house or yard work task they like the least. Watch them do that task. Design something that will help make that task easier or more fun for your parent to do.

Assign for your class | Example video

an assortment of buttons

Lesson 20
Button Trouble

You’re about to go on stage and sing at assembly when your pants button breaks! It’s too risky to go on stage. You have five minutes (plus printing time) to quickly make something with Makers’ Empire that will save the day until you go home and sew your button back on!

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 21
Holiday Treasure

Design a holiday ornament (for Christmas, Hannukah, Eid al-Fitr etc) that shows something which is important to your family at the holiday. It should have a loop for hanging, and have your family’s name on it.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 22
Corn Capers

Design two different tools for eating corn on the cob. Decide which design is best, and create it in Makers Empire 3D.

Assign for your class | Example video

steam locamotive

Lesson 23
Choo Choo

Design a model train, using at least three different 3D shapes.

Assign for your class | Example video

girl climbing a tree

Lesson 24
Tree Climb

Design the ultimate climbing tree. It should have a low branch to swing from, and at least four big branches up high.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 25
Comfy Corner

Design a reading chair for your bedroom that you can relax on two ways: either sitting up or lying down.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 26
Standing Figure

Design a figurine or doll that will stand up by itself without toppling over.

Assign for your class | Example video

key chain

Lesson 27
Easy Keys

Design a keyring that will make it easy to find the keys in a lady’s handbag that is full of books, sunglasses, a hairbrush, a purse, and a water bottle. The keyring should be a unique shape that isn’t like other things.so it can be found by touch, without looking into the bag.

Assign for your class | Example video


messy baby with food on face

Lesson 28
Splat!

We made this spoon for a baby learning to eat, but her custard keeps falling off it. Can you improve this spoon?

Assign for your class | Example video

two children hiking with backpacks

Lesson 29
Better Backpack

Design a school backpack. Start with a rectangular prism. Add pockets, straps, and your school name.

Assign for your class | Example video

illustration of a blank badge with ribbon

Lesson 30
Our Emblem

In a group (if you can video call some friends), design a 3D class emblem that can be hung from the ceiling in your classroom. It should represent the unique personality of your class.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 1
Fancy Gumboots

Would most people want to wear gumboots to a party? Design a gumboot that you would like to wear to a party, but which still keeps your feet dry in the rain.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 2
Light Me Up

Design a lightbox with your name on it to decorate your bedroom, to be powered by a AA battery, and with an easy-to-use switch. Make room for the battery in your design. (You can assume that internal wires can be connected, and that white areas of your lightbox will light up when the switch is turned on.)

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 3
Eco Objects

Think of a household object that you use every day, which is not made of biodegradable material. Design a version of it that could be made out of recycled cardboard. Explain the benefits and downsides of your eco-object.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 4
Pet Perks

Watch your pet, or a video of a pet online, for 10 minutes. List some of your observations. Design a toy that will be safe and fun for a pet.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 5
Up and Away

Your school has a new MEGA hot air balloon! It is strong enough to lift up to 20 kids at a time. Design a suitable basket for the hot air balloon.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 6
Super Shelter

Design a bus shelter. It should keep people out of the sun, wind and rain, but allow them to look and see when the bus is coming without leaving the shelter. Your shelter should include seating.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 7
Rock On

Design a pair of headphones for listening to your favourite music. They should fit comfortably and look cool!

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 8
Monster Madness

Create a super-weird monster, using at least 10 different shapes. The monster’s eyes, nose and mouth should be clearly defined.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 9
Amazing Arena

Design a concert arena. It should have a stage, big speakers to the side of the stage, and a seating area.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 10
Creative Car

Design a super car with lots of extra fun features. It must be symmetrical (the same on the left and right sides) so that it is balanced when driving.

Assign for your class

| Example video

Lesson 11
Tough Tent

Design a tent that will stay up on a windy night.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 12
Balance Hanger

Design a bag hanger that you can place on the edge of a table, and hang a small bag from. It should hold a bag weighing 500 grams.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 13
Risky Rocker

We made this rocking horse for a 3-year-old child, but she keeps falling off it. Improve the design so that the child can ride it safely. (no handles, small seat, no foot rests)

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 14
Square Set

Design a piece of play equipment that is made only of cubes shapes.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 15
Ultimate Treehouse

In a group (if you can video call some friends), design the ultimate tree house. It should have multiple levels, and at least 3 fun features.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 16
Chair Choices

Your teacher wants you to design new chairs for your classroom. They need to be comfortable for the tallest and the shortest students in the class. Can you design a chair with one adjustable feature that makes it suitable for taller and shorter students?

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 17
Night Light

Design a night light that can stick onto your front door, to help people see the keyhole when entering at night. Think about how it will be powered, e.g. make room for a battery, or represent a solar panel with a black square. (You can assume that internal wires can be connected, and that white shapes on your product are globes that will light up when the switch is turned on.)

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 18
Dish Duty

Design a piece of equipment to make washing the dishes easier. Explain how your new equipment will change the way you do dishes, and its benefits.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 19
Play Time

Think about younger students you’ve seen playing in the schoolyard. Design a new piece of play equipment that will be safe and fun for little kids.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 20
Safe to Shore

A river cruise ship which carries 1000 people needs 250 lifeboats for emergency evacuations on calm rivers. Design a suitable lifeboat for this situation.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 21
Snow Sport

Design a hat that could be worn by a snow skier. It should keep the sun out of their eyes, be warm, and not fall off their head when they are zooming down the mountain!

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 22
Go Team!

Design a mascot for your local sports team. It should relate in some way to your local district.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 23
Pick a Pattern

Create a 3D pattern with recurring shapes. The pattern should be comprised of five shapes, and repeat five times.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 24
School Map

A friend from far away will be visiting you at school. Design a simple 3D map of your school to help them find their way. Show the main buildings and play areas, and mark where your classroom is.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 25
Mouse House

Design a mouse house for a pet mouse, with areas for eating, sleeping, and playing.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 26
Stable Storage

Design a coat rack for your house. It should stand up on its own, and be able to hold your whole family’s coats and hats.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 27
Toast Tool

Design a spreading tool for putting butter and jam on toast. Ask your family to try using it at home, and evaluate their satisfaction with the tool.

Assign for your class | Example video


Lesson 28
Ferry Features

We designed this ferry to take people across a wide river. But lots of our passengers have been complaining about being uncomfortable! Can you improve our ferry?

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 29
Fast Car

Design a toy car that can be built in Makers Empire 3D in less than 10 minutes.

Assign for your class | Example video

Lesson 30
Where’s my Ticket?

In a group (if you can video call some friends), design a bus ticket holder that is waterproof, can be personalised, and is hard to lose.

Assign for your class | Example video

More Makers Empire activities to try at home

10 Coronavirus 3D Design Challenges

10 Social Distancing & Self-isolation 3D Design Challenges

You can also…
• Enter our monthly Global Design Competition for a chance to enter the Hall of Fame,
• Check out Makers Empire’s Youtube channel and follow along with our “How to” design videos,
• Create and play 3D mazes in Game Zone,
• Go shopping* to create the most amazing avatar ‘Looks’, or build up your own wardrobe from scratch

*no real money is required or exchanged in Makers Empire 3D.