Young minds, big ideas: a 3D design and print adventure in the DSC

by: Rich McCue, Manager, Digital Scholarship Commons

Twenty bright and curious first-graders from Macaulay Elementary School’s French immersion program were the most interesting student group that visited the Digital Scholarship Commons (DSC) in 2024. This year, the DSC hosted hands-on workshops for seven different classes from schools around Greater Victoria as part of the Libraries’ public outreach and campus student recruitment efforts.

The first-grade students brought ample energy and enthusiasm to the 3D design and print workshop. Led by our talented graduate assistant, Brittany Johnson—who is also pursuing a Master's degree in Education and researching how 3D printing can enhance learning in elementary classrooms—these young students experienced a hands-on introduction to 21st century technology.

Brittany guided the students through a simple, playful design activity that gave each child the chance to design and print a small 3D object using the Libraries’ 3D printers. The workshop not only introduced these young minds to digital design concepts but also sparked their interest in advanced technology in a way that was engaging and approachable.

We look forward to continuing to host more workshops that reach a broad range of age groups and interests, knowing that even the youngest members of our community have so much to gain from these interactive, skill-building experiences. While the DSC regularly hosts workshops for middle- school and high school groups, this workshop was a clear demonstration of how 3D design and printing can be a very effective learning tool—and how it can help make learning an exciting and joyful experience for all ages!