Get Festive with 3D-Modelling! Create Your Own Christmas Ornaments

02 Dec Get Festive with 3D-Modelling! Create Your Own Christmas Ornaments

If you’re anything like me, you love bringing a theme into the classroom.  With Christmas fast approaching, and the end of year upon us, many of us are looking for ways to bring the holiday season into the classroom.  So if you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to bring the holiday spirit into your Digital Technologies classroom, look no further. Combine the festive season with STEM education by challenging your students to design and create custom Christmas ornaments using 3D-modelling software!

This hands-on activity not only consolidates students’ 3D-modelling skills but also gives them a chance to craft something unique and meaningful to take home. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, technology, and holiday cheer!

How to Bring the Festive Fun to Life:

1. Design with Spirit: Task your students with creating ornaments that reflect the joy and magic of the holiday season. Encourage them to think creatively—snowflakes, stars, baubles, or even something completely abstract!
2. Make It Real: Once designs are complete, export them and bring them to life with a 3D printer. Watching their creations take shape is a thrilling moment for students.
3. Spread the Cheer: Use the ornaments to decorate your classroom tree before sending them home with students to enjoy for years to come.

Tips for Success

• Plan for Print Time: Depending on the complexity of designs, 3D printing can take time. Encourage students to keep their designs simple to ensure everyone gets a turn.
• Teach File Formats: Ensure students export their designs in the correct file format, such as STL or OBJ, for compatibility with your 3D printer.
• Experiment with Materials: If you have access to different filament types, let students choose fun options like metallic, glitter, or even biodegradable PLA for eco-friendly ornaments.

Why Incorporate 3D-Modelling in Holiday Fun?

This activity does more than just celebrate the holidays—it’s an opportunity to:

• Spark Creativity and Problem-Solving: Students will need to think critically and innovatively to design ornaments that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical to print.
• Teach Real-World Skills: From design to printing, this project reinforces key 3D-modelling and technology concepts.
• Consolidate Existing Knowledge: It’s a great way to review and apply the 3D-modelling techniques students have previously learned.
• Add a Personal Touch: Students take pride in their creations, making the holiday season more meaningful and memorable.

Wrap Up the Term with STEM Magic

This simple yet impactful project is a wonderful way to end the year on a high note. It blends the excitement of the holidays with the practical skills students need for the future, ensuring they leave your classroom with a lasting appreciation for technology—and a keepsake to remember their creativity.

So, fire up your favourite 3D-modelling software, warm up the printer, and let the festive creations begin!

Step 1: Design with spirit.  3D model prepped and ready for printing.  Can you spot any issues the student might have?

Step 2: Make it real.  3D-printing the first iteration of a snowflake Christmas decoration on the Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro.

Step 3: Spread the cheer.  First iterations of 3D-printed decorations on the class Christmas tree.

Christiana MacAskill