Maker Club: 3D Design, Prototyping & 3D Printing

Design. Create. Print. Innovate.
Turn your ideas into real objects through 3D design, prototyping and digital making.

Turn Ideas Into Real Objects

In this hands-on Maker Club, learners explore the exciting world of 3D design, digital making and 3D printing.

Using beginner-friendly CAD software and 3D printers, learners discover how engineers, designers and inventors create products, prototypes and solutions to real-world problems.

Learners will design and print a variety of creative and practical projects while developing skills in design thinking, problem-solving, measurement, engineering and digital technology.

What You'll Explore

Learners will begin with beginner-friendly 3D design tools before progressing towards more advanced CAD techniques. They will learn how to create accurate digital models, prepare designs for manufacturing and understand how digital designs become physical objects.

Projects may include creative objects, functional components, prototypes and engineering solutions. Learners are encouraged to experiment, innovate and develop their own ideas.

For Experienced Makers

Learners who have attended previous 3D design and printing workshops may have the opportunity to work on an agreed long-term project.

With mentor guidance, they can further develop their design, engineering and manufacturing skills while taking greater ownership of their project.

Equipment

Learners must bring their own laptop and mouse.

First Step Robotics provides access to 3D printers and the materials required for projects during sessions.

Showcase Your Work

In Term 3 (May–June 2027), learners will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at our Family Tech Day and other community events, celebrating their achievements with family and friends.

Important Information

3D printing is a shared resource and print times can vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of a model. As a result, it may not be possible to print every learner's design during the same session.

This course is designed to be taken from the beginning of a block, as each session builds on previous learning.

Learners joining mid-block may need to complete additional work at home to catch up. Regular attendance is recommended to get the most from the programme and successfully complete projects.

Ready to Start Creating?

Turn your ideas into real objects with First Step Robotics.

Project-Based Robotics & Engineering

Design. Build. Code. Create.
A hands-on programme where young people turn ideas into real projects.

Learn by Building

Explore robotics, engineering, 3D design, 3D printing, electronics, physical computing, coding and AI through practical, project-based challenges.

Learners develop creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills while designing and building projects that can be showcased at the end of the programme.

What You'll Explore

Throughout the programme, learners will explore robotics, 3D design and printing, electronics, physical computing, coding and artificial intelligence. They will work with sensors, motors, microcontrollers and other technologies to design, build, programme and test their own projects.

Projects may include building and programming robots, designing and 3D printing components, creating electronic circuits, programming microcontrollers with MicroPython, and experimenting with AI cameras and intelligent systems.

Materials & Projects

All electronics, components and materials required during sessions are provided by First Step Robotics.

Learners may have the opportunity to take completed projects home. Where applicable, parents or guardians may be asked to cover the cost of components, materials and manufacturing.

Learners may also document their work as part of a personal project portfolio.

Ready to Start Building?

Join First Step Robotics and start your journey in robotics, engineering and technology.

Robotics Competition & Teamwork

Build. Programme. Compete. Lead.
Develop robotics, engineering, teamwork and leadership skills through hands-on competition challenges.

Build, Programme & Compete

This hands-on programme gives learners the opportunity to build, programme and compete with robots while developing teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.

Learners explore robot design, sensors and autonomous navigation through exciting engineering challenges. Working in teams, they design, test, improve and compete with robots in a fun and supportive environment inspired by real robotics competitions.

What You'll Explore

Learners will develop practical skills in robot design, programming, sensors, autonomous navigation and engineering. Projects and challenges encourage learners to test ideas, identify problems, make improvements and work effectively as a team.

Coding is primarily block-based, allowing learners to focus on understanding robotics and developing solutions while building their confidence with programming.

Learning Requirements

Learners should be able to follow visual instructions, have basic computer skills and be willing to work as part of a team.

Learners should be committed to regular attendance and willing to continue developing their projects and skills at home between sessions.

Learners should also be comfortable following simple written and visual instructions and maintaining a basic engineering portfolio.

Competition Commitment

This programme is designed for learners who are interested in developing their robotics, engineering, teamwork and leadership skills, with opportunities to participate in robotics competitions.

Regular attendance is essential throughout the programme. Learners are expected to maintain an engineering portfolio and continue developing their skills and projects at home between sessions.

Participation in this course does not automatically qualify a learner for competition teams or events. Selection is based on attendance, commitment, teamwork, technical ability, readiness, behaviour and available team places.

Competition Preparation

Additional practice sessions may be required during weekdays, weekends or school holidays, particularly as competitions approach. These sessions may take place at different locations.

Families should be willing to travel to competitions and events, which may take place elsewhere in Scotland or other parts of the UK.

Travel & Additional Costs

Transportation, accommodation, meals, competition registration fees and other travel-related expenses are not included in the course fee unless explicitly stated.

Student-Led Robotics

Mentors and coaches provide guidance, support and technical advice. However, competition robots must be designed, built, programmed and tested primarily by the young people themselves.

Our student-led approach encourages independence, responsibility, creativity, teamwork and ownership of learning.

Showcase Your Work

Learners will have opportunities to share their projects and achievements with family and the wider First Step Robotics community through showcases, events and competitions.

Ready to Compete?

Build your skills, work as a team and take your robotics to the next level.

LEGO COMPUTER SCIENCE & AI HOLIDAY CAMP 

NEW! Explore the latest LEGO Education Computer Science & AI technology

Join First Step Robotics this October for two exciting days of LEGO building, robotics, coding and artificial intelligence.

Explore LEGO Robotics & AI

Join First Step Robotics this October for two exciting days of LEGO building, robotics, coding and artificial intelligence.

Participants will get hands-on experience with our brand-new LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits, recently released by LEGO Education.

The camp is designed for beginners and experienced young makers, with activities adapted to different ages and abilities.

Ready to Explore LEGO Robotics & AI?

Give your child the opportunity to explore the exciting world of LEGO, Robotics, Coding & AI.