The "Maker Dojo" Curriculum
We flip the script on traditional STEM. No boring lectures—just "Hooks", "Hacks", and hands-on discovery.
The "Invisible Theory" Approach
Children don't learn best by listening to how a stepper motor works; they learn by discovering that their robot needs a stepper motor to move.
Our "Tangible First" methodology means theory is never presented in isolation. Concepts like thermal contraction or Cartesian coordinates are introduced only as solutions to creative problems the students have just encountered.
Module 1: The Human Machine
Demystifying ADDITIVE vs. SUBTRACTIVE
The 'Fast Printer' finishing a batch of articulated Flexi-Rex lizards live.
'Be the Extruder' Game: Students roleplay as the 'Controller' (Brain) and 'Printer' (Blindfolded) to understand G-code.
Tinkercad Basics: Designing a Backpack Tag with a functional keyring loop.
Physics Constraints & Failure Analysis
Unboxing Week 1 prints + Failure Analysis of a 'spaghettified' print.
'Y vs. T' Challenge: Predicting which shape falls (overhangs) and learning about Supports.
The Impossible Box: Designing a box with a lid that accounts for 'Tolerance' (49.5mm lid for 50mm box).
Module 2: Mechanics & Motion
Clearance, Hinges & Advanced Geometry
Mystery of the Planetary Gear: 'How did I put the screw in?' (Answer: I didn't).
'Personal Bubble' Demo: Students stand shoulder-to-shoulder (Fused) vs. half-step apart (Moving).
The Fidget Hinge: Using 'Community Shapes' to build a custom monster/creature around a pre-made hinge.
Reverse Engineering & Precision
Problem Solving: A tangled headphone cord or toothpaste tube that won't squeeze.
Caliper Bootcamp: 'Guessing means printing trash. Measuring means printing gold.'
The Custom Solution: Designing a Phone Stand or Cable Winder that fits real-world measurements.
Module 3: Advanced Applications
Spatial Reasoning & Perspective
Dual-Text Illusion: Objects that say 'YES' from the front and 'NO' from the side.
The Shadow Game: Rotating 3D shapes to see different 2D shadows.
Lithophanes: Converting photos into 3D terrain where 'Thick = Dark' and 'Thin = Light'.
Structural Integrity
Destruction Testing video of a bridge crush test.
Team Strategy: Planning a bridge to span a 20cm gap using only 50g of filament.
Bridge/Boat Engineering: Squares vs. Triangles (Trusses) and Honeycomb Infill.
The "Failure Laboratory"
In 3D printing, a failed print isn't a mistake—it's data. We teach students how to diagnose and fix real-world engineering problems.