3D Printing with Autodesk 123d, Tinkercad, and Makerbot - Paperback

Designed for homeschool families and their kids, 3D Printing with Autodesk 123D, Tinkercad, and MakerBot is a practical, beginner-friendly guide that turns ideas into physical, printable objects using free software and a MakerBot workflow.

Key Features & Design

• Pages and format: 304-page paperback offering clear, step-by-step tutorials with easy-to-follow screenshots.
• Comprehensive software suite: Covers Design, Catch, Meshmixer, Tinkercad, Make, and CNC Utility apps, plus MakerBot Desktop.
• Hands-on printing: Learn how to print on your own MakerBot or through a service bureau for broader project possibilities.
• Digital extras: Includes videos and downloadable editable, premade content to practice and customize projects.
• Printer-ready workflow: From software setup to producing a tangible object, with practical project guidance.
• Author and expertise: Written by Lydia Sloan Cline, an educator who teaches Autodesk 123D and MakerBot classes and has extensive design and architecture experience.
• Physical specs: Dimensions 0.58 x 10.69 x 8.85 inches, ideal for a homeschool library or classroom shelf.

Performance / Benefits

• Builds practical 3D design skills: Readers progress from installing software to creating printable designs, reinforcing CAD concepts and 3D thinking.
• Hands-on learning outcomes: Students design, edit, and print objects, gaining experience with.stl workflows, reality capture, and digital fabrication processes.
• Curriculum-tied projects: Projects align with STEM, engineering, and maker education, offering tangible outcomes for science fairs, technology lessons, and art/design explorations.
• Workflow integration: Learn an end-to-end process—from concept in Design and Tinkercad to refinement in Meshmixer, layout planning with LayOut, and final printing via MakerBot Desktop or a service bureau.
• Skill-building for independent learners: Clear instructions, visuals, and editable content empower homeschool students to work at their own pace and iterate on designs.

Curriculum Alignment & Learning Outcomes

• STEM & Engineering Design: Develops spatial reasoning, dimensional planning, and problem-solving as students design prototypes and evaluate fit and function.
• Art & Design: Encourages creativity, visual communication, and prototyping as students turn ideas into tangible gallery- or classroom-ready objects.
• Mathematics & Measurement: Reinforces scaling, tolerances, units, and geometric concepts through real-world printing scenarios.
• Digital Literacy: Introduces file formats (.stl), software tools, and a modern making workflow that complements hands-on science and technology lessons.
• Project-based Learning: Provides a structured path from idea to finished product, ideal for homeschool projects, science fair entries, or family maker challenges.

Ideal For

• Homeschool families seeking engaging, project-based STEM and design education
• Young makers and students curious about CAD, 3D printing, and digital fabrication
• Educators and homeschool co-ops looking for a practical, end-to-end printing curriculum
• Anyone wanting to bridge free Autodesk software with MakerBot printing for tangible results