3D printing programs for schools and learning groups
Students design real solutions, from a better pencil grip to parts that help someone get around. We bring hands-on 3D design and printing to your group as a multi-week program or a one-time event, and help with the printer you already have.
Built for
Z-Access is designing 3D design and printing programs for upper elementary and middle school students, at your site or with your group, and can plan one-time events now.
Projects that matter to students
Students start with a real person or a real problem, then design, test, and improve until it works. That's when 3D printing clicks.
Tools that help people
Students design grips, holders, and parts that make everyday tasks easier for someone they know. Students in other schools have printed parts that make wheelchairs easier to use.
Fixes for their own school
A missing knob, a better pencil holder, a sign for the school garden. Students measure, design, and make the fix themselves.
Products they could sell
Students design a small product, work out what it costs to make, and pitch it. Real math, real stakes, and a first taste of running a business.
Sound familiar?
What educators and program leaders tell us, and how we help.
“Students ask when they'll ever use this.”
3D design gives them an answer. They find a real problem, design a fix, test it, and hold the result.
Request a program“Our after-school club needs something new.”
We're designing an after-school program for upper elementary and middle school students, grouped by age and skill level.
Tell us about your club“We're a small school or pod and can't hire a specialist.”
Book us for a program or a single session. Your students get hands-on 3D design without a new hire.
Request a program“We want a STEM night or a special event.”
One-time events include family maker nights, STEM nights, library programs, club visits, and hands-on workshops.
Request an event“Our students have limited devices or strict tech rules.”
Tell us what you have. We'll plan the program around your devices and your policies.
Share your setup“We have a 3D printer, and it isn't getting used.”
Start with a free 10-minute call for basic questions, or bring it in for set-up or repair. Or have us run a program so your students start making right away.
Get printer help or request a programWays to work with us
Multi-week programs
After-school or enrichment programs where students learn to design, then print their own projects. Our after-school program is in development.
High school experiences
Entrepreneurship and client-project work for grades 9 to 12. See the summer experiences.
One-time events
STEM nights, family maker nights, library programs, club visits, and workshops.
Camps
Summer and winter break camps for ages 7 to 17. See the camp interest lists.
Classroom printer help
A free 10-minute call for basic questions, or an appointment to bring the printer in for set-up or repair. Get printer help.
New to teaching 3D design? Read our one-hour first lesson for grades 4 to 8.
Get the free printable lesson plan
A one-hour first 3D design lesson for grades 4 to 8, with timings, differentiation for younger and older students, and a printable name-tag challenge.
Reading for educators
A first 3D design lesson for grades 4 to 8
A one-hour lesson plan that takes students from a blank screen to a printable name tag, with ways to adjust it for younger and older grades.
Why we named it Z-Access
The name says it twice: the axis every 3D print grows along, and the access to machines and know-how we want everyone to have.
Questions educators ask
What groups does Z-Access work with?
Schools, after-school clubs, microschools, homeschool co-ops and learning pods, nonprofits, libraries, and community programs.
What ages are your programs for?
Our programs are built for upper elementary and middle school students, and we're planning high school experiences too. Tell us about your group if you work with other ages.
What will students make?
Real things that solve real problems: tools that help someone they know, fixes around their school, and small products they could sell. Every project starts with a person or a problem, then students design, test, and improve it.
Do students need their own computers?
Not always. Tell us what devices and tech rules you have, and we'll plan around them.
Can you come to our site?
Yes. Programs and one-time events can run at your site. For printer set-up or repair, book an appointment and bring the printer in.
How much does a program or event cost?
It depends on the format, group size, and number of sessions. Send a request and we'll reply with options and pricing.