SelfCAD

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible partnerships we’ve built in 2024. At SelfCAD we are always on the lookout for school and nonprofit partnerships to expand our programs. Many people don’t realize just how accessible and straightforward it can be to implement 3D technology programs in schools, nonprofits, and community organizations… many already have a 3D printer with lab space. With grants, 3D technology can seamlessly integrate into existing initiatives, enhancing education and sparking innovation across all age groups. If you’re interested in partnering with us in 2025, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our team members—we’d be happy to assist and explore how we can create opportunities together. Kara Houston Abby Everingham Karen Brown C.J. Dobbins

Imagine standing in front of your biology class, attempting to explain the intricate structures of the human heart using only textbook diagrams. Despite your best efforts, students struggle to grasp the complexities of its chambers and valves. As educators, we've all faced the challenge of making abstract concepts tangible. The Challenge: Visualizing Complexity: Biology is rich with three-dimensional structures that are difficult to represent on a flat page. Engaging Students: Traditional teaching methods can sometimes fail to captivate students' interest and imagination. Limited Resources: Not every classroom has access to physical models or lab equipment to demonstrate biological concepts effectively. Solution - 3D Modeling - Benefits of Using 3D Models in Your Classroom Deepened Understanding: Students gain a better grasp of spatial relationships and structural details in a 3D world. Increased Engagement: Interactive models make learning more exciting and memorable. Improved Retention: 3D visualizations enhance memory retention of complex concepts. One teacher used SelfCAD to model the process of mitosis. Students not only observed each stage but also manipulated the models to see how chromosomes align and separate. This interactive lesson led to a noticeable improvement in test scores and student enthusiasm. She mentioned, "SelfCAD helped us in creating dynamic 3D animations to demonstrate complex processes like cellular division and blood circulation. My students loved watching as cells divided before their eyes and tracing the path blood takes through the heart. These visualizations help them grasp these processes in a way that's much more engaging than textbook diagrams." Empower your students with the tools to explore and understand biology like never before. Visit selfcad.com/academy to discover how SelfCAD can elevate your classroom experience. Let's make biology not just a subject to study but a world to explore!

#3D technology is revolutionizing education by equipping students with career-ready skills in design, engineering, and manufacturing. It promotes project-based learning, helping students solve real-world challenges while developing critical thinking and teamwork. This versatile tool reaches diverse learners, including visual and kinesthetic students, making complex subjects like math and science easier to grasp through interactive models and hands-on experiences. #Students can also continue individualized, self-paced learning beyond the classroom using Chromebooks. Discover how 3D technology is transforming education for all. #3DTechnology #EducationInnovation #STEMLearning

Some days don’t go as planned, and today was one of those days. But everything changed the moment I walked into the restaurant and saw a group of incredible educators immersed in conversations. Suddenly, my perspective shifted, and my heart felt full. I’m beyond grateful to have ended my day at the “Tacos for Teachers” an event, hosted by SelfCAD and organized so thoughtfully by Kara Houston! It reminded me of something I’ve always known: this work we do isn’t just about sales or numbers. It’s about people. To be surrounded by passionate individuals who genuinely love what they do is a gift. Working with people who inspire, challenge, and collaborate makes all the difference—and it’s moments like these that reignite my passion and purpose. Thank you Kara, Karen and to everyone who attended!

Imagine a high school student eager to design their first 3D model for a STEM project. They open their old and boring CAD software, only to be overwhelmed by the complexity and give up after hours of confusion. When it comes to teaching 3D design, educators or students are often faced with a tough choice—stick with traditional, complex software or explore more intuitive solutions.SelfCAD makes 3D design easy, fun, and accessible for students and educators alike. Ready to see the difference? Check out our comparison below! #3d #3dmodeling #3dprinting

Trivia! - Can you 3D Print Food? Absolutely! Here's how 👇 1️⃣ Digital Blueprint Initiate with a precise digital model of the intended food item 2️⃣ Edible "Ink" Utilize consumable materials such as dough, chocolate, or pureed fruits and vegetables 3️⃣ Layered Precision Employ meticulous extrusion through a nozzle to build the food item layer by layer It sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi film but now, you can actually explore the forefront of food technology with 3D food printing. This advanced technique leverages 3D printers to craft intricate, edible creations in a diverse array of forms and designs. Follow us for more cool 3D printing inspo! #3DFoodPrinting #CulinaryInnovation #FoodTechnology #FutureOfFood #Gastronomy #Sustainability #TechInFood #CulinaryArts

Thank you for attending the Grant Opportunities for 3D & STEM Learning Webinar If you missed it, please fill out a contact form so I can send you a recording of the webinar and a program guide. 👉 https://lnkd.in/guDufAYW What we discussed: Addressing the limitations of current educational software, the program ensures students transition smoothly from basic to advanced 3D modeling and printing, maintaining their engagement and confidence as they progress. By bringing industry-grade tools exposing students to skills in high demand. The program also nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to innovate and problem-solve through hands-on design and prototyping activities and is used by students aged 10 and up. The program includes after-school programs, summer camps, and in-school integration in core classes. Designed to boost long-term retention and engagement, the program supports multiple learning styles and addresses the digital divide, making STEM education accessible for all students. Next Steps: We encourage you to explore the program guide and schedule a meeting to go over the specific grants we have for your organization and location.

As a teacher, introducing 3D design can feel overwhelming, but with SelfCAD, the process is simplified for both you and your students. Here are some best practices for integrating SelfCAD into your lessons: 💡 Start Simple and a step at a time: Begin with basic shapes and tools to introduce students to the fundamentals of 3D design. One teacher shared, “I had my students create a simple 3D pencil holder as their first project—it was a fun, low-pressure way to get them engaged!” 💡 Use Interactive Tutorials: SelfCAD comes with built-in tutorials that students can follow at their own pace. Teachers can free up time to guide more advanced learners while others work independently. 💡 Let your Students be Creative Wizards: Let students experiment and make mistakes. A high school teacher said, “The more freedom I gave my students to explore the software, the more invested they became in the learning process.” 💡 Group Projects: Try collaborative 3D design projects where students can work together to create complex models. SelfCAD’s cloud-based platform allows students to share and work on the same design from different devices. 💡 Set Realistic Goals: Introduce time-limited projects to keep students motivated. A middle school teacher found success in assigning one-week 3D design challenges, saying, “My students stayed focused and took pride in completing a functional design within the time limit.” SelfCAD makes teaching 3D design easy, fun, and accessible. With the right approach, you’ll see your students’ creativity thrive! Check this out to learn more- selfcad.com/school #SelfCAD #TeachersOfLinkedIn #EdTech #3DModeling #STEMEducation #CreativeLearning #ClassroomTechnology #DesignThinking #TeachingTips

How can I introduce my students to 3D modeling without stretching our limited budget?- This is a question frequently asked by many educators when discussing the integration of 3D modeling into the curriculum. The world of 3D design is exploding with possibilities, but many professional programs come with hefty price tags and steep learning curves. Determined to find a solution, we started researching affordable alternatives that wouldn't compromise on quality or features. Along the way, we realized that choosing the right 3D modeling software boils down to identifying key parameters that ensure both cost-effectiveness and educational value. Here’s a list of those parameters to consider when selecting the right 3D modeling program for your students: Flexible Pricing Options Look for software that offers educational discounts or bulk licensing. This means the more licenses you need, the bigger the discount you'll receive. It’s a budget-friendly way to equip an entire classroom without overspending. Beginner to Intermediate Friendly Choose tools that support students' progress from start to finish. The software should be simple enough for beginners to grasp, yet robust enough to handle more complex projects as they advance. This ensures continuous learning without the need to switch platforms. Comprehensive Features Without Extra Costs Opt for software that doesn’t require additional programs or plugins. A built-in 3D slicer, for example, simplifies the design-to-print process and saves money on supplementary software. Educational Resources and Support Select a platform that offers tutorials, lesson plans, and active community support. This can significantly enhance the teaching experience and provide students with the resources they need to succeed. Cloud-Based Accessibility Consider web-based software that doesn’t demand high-end hardware. This allows students to work on their designs anytime, anywhere, making learning more flexible and accessible. It also helps with managing homework for your students. Selecting the right 3D modeling software doesn’t have to be a daunting task or a financial burden. With the right criteria and a bit of research, you can find a solution that offers incredible value. #3dmodeling #3dprinting #autocad #blender #selfcad

Why do students love 3D modeling but feel overwhelmed just by the thought of learning it? In our interviews with a bunch of students, one sentence we heard frequently: "I don't know where to start." This is a common sentiment among students stepping into the world of 3D modeling. Even with a clear vision of what they want to create (and excited about it!), the initial complexity can be overwhelming. As educators, how can you make this journey smoother? Further simplifying the research, we found a few common challenges faced by students: Overwhelming Interfaces: Complex software interfaces can intimidate beginners. Abstract Concepts: Grasping three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional screen requires a shift in thinking. Lack of Step-by-Step Guidance: Without clear instructions, students may feel lost and disengaged. Well, what can you do about it? As an educator, finding the right methods to teach, which follow practical learning, is very crucial. Let us share some of the strategies to simplify the learning process—these strategies are suggested by industry leaders and proven in classroom environments: Begin with Pre-Made Models: Encourage students to modify existing 3D shapes. This hands-on approach helps them understand fundamental concepts without the pressure of starting from scratch. Integrate Interactive Tutorials: Utilize software that offers built-in, step-by-step tutorials. Real-time guidance can significantly enhance comprehension and retention. Choose User-Friendly Tools: Select platforms designed with intuitive interfaces suitable for beginners. This reduces the learning curve and keeps students motivated. Incorporating software like SelfCAD can address many of these challenges. It offers an intuitive interface tailored for beginners, along with a library of pre-made models that students can easily customize. SelfCAD's interactive tutorials provide step-by-step guidance within the application, helping students grasp complex concepts more effectively. Providing the right resources and support not only simplifies the learning process but also ignites a passion for innovation and design. We hope this helps in your teaching journey! Happy 3D modeling...