AXEIS 

Summer Workshop:

3D Modeling

What Is It?

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This workshop provides 5th and 6th-grade students with an exciting introduction to the world of 3D design and modeling using modern CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools. Through a series of fun and creative lessons, students will learn how to design their own digital models, understand how things are made, and bring their ideas to life. The course covers everything from simple sketches to complex assemblies, preparing students to create designs that could even be 3D printed in the real world. The focus is on hands-on learning, creativity, and building a strong understanding of how everyday objects are designed.

Class syllabus

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Class 1 – Introduction & Sketching Basics

Students will be introduced to CAD software and learn how to navigate the 3D workspace. They will begin creating 2D sketches using basic tools like lines, circles, and rectangles, and apply constraints to control how parts of their design relate to each other. Students will finish with a simple geometric shape they can turn into a 3D model.

 

Class 2 – Parametrics & 3D Features

Students will explore how to use parametric modeling, where dimensions can be easily changed to update designs automatically. They will learn how to turn their 2D sketches into 3D shapes using tools like extrude, revolve, sweep, and loft. Students will design simple 3D objects such as a keychain or custom coin.

 

Class 3 – Fillets, Chamfers, Patterns & Surface Modeling Intro

Students will learn how to smooth edges with fillets, bevel edges with chamfers, and create repeating patterns on their models. They will also get a first look at surface modeling, which allows the creation of more organic, curved shapes. Students will create a decorative object such as a jewelry charm or a badge.

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Class 4 – Assemblies, Joints & Motion Simulation

Students will design multiple parts and assemble them into a working system. They will learn how to add joints to allow parts to move in relation to each other and simulate how their assemblies behave. Projects may include creating a spinning top or a working hinge.

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Class 5 – Surface Modeling & Freeform Techniques

In this class, students will dive deeper into creating complex curved surfaces and freeform shapes using advanced modeling tools. They will practice building more creative designs, such as an art sculpture, a toy character, or a futuristic vehicle body.

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Class 6 – Technical Drawings, Tolerancing & Materials

Students will learn how engineers communicate their designs using technical drawings with precise measurements. They will add tolerances to indicate how exact their dimensions must be, and explore different materials and how they affect design. Students will produce a print-ready drawing of one of their models.

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Class 7 – Simulation & Design for Manufacturing

Students will explore how CAD tools can help test how their designs will behave in the real world. They will perform stress tests, deformation simulations, and learn basic principles of design for manufacturing (DFM) — making sure a part can actually be built. They might simulate parts for objects like bridges, tools, or mechanical arms.

 

Class 8 – Capstone Project & Showcase

In the final session, students will create a capstone project of their own design. They will apply the skills they’ve learned to build something unique, combining multiple techniques. They will also prepare their model for presentation and portfolio use.

Example CAD Capstone Projects:

• Phone Stand or Desk Organizer (functional parametric product)

• Custom Jewelry or Keychain Set (artistic freeform modeling)

• Mechanical Toy with Moving Parts (assemblies and motion simulation)

• Mini Model Car or Robot Body (surface modeling and advanced features)

• Artistic Sculpture (creative expression using advanced surface tools)

Students will present their finished designs to the class, showing how they created their model and which techniques they used.

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Class Format

• Grades: 5th–6th

• Location: 13001 Moonstone Pl., San Diego, CA 92129

• Schedule: Weekly in-person classes on Saturdays from 10am to 11am

• Format: Each class is designed as a stand-alone session, so students can attend on any day that fits their schedule

• Cost: Free

• Number of classes: 8 from 6/21 to 8/16

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💬 Questions?

📧 Contact us at: axeisstem@gmail.com