The Connection is excited to announce a brand new exciting partnership with Innovation Foundry!
- 3D Design & Printing Fundamentals
Sunday, February 23
1:00PM TO 2:30PM OR 3:00-4:30pm*
*Sessions may be combined based on enrollment.
Ages 8-12
Class Description
In this comprehensive introduction to 3D design and printing, your child will learn to use Tinkercad, one of the most widely-used and student-friendly 3D design platforms. This intuitive software allows students to quickly transform their creative ideas into digital models, building their confidence in spatial thinking and digital creation.
Students will discover how to find inspiration from existing designs and learn to customize and modify them, developing both creative problem-solving skills and technical abilities. They’ll gain hands-on experience working with design templates and learn how to adapt them to create their own unique projects.
The course also demystifies the 3D printing process, teaching students essential concepts for successful printing. They’ll learn about different printing technologies, material choices (like PLA and PETG), the importance of factors such as support structures, layer height, and print temperature, and how these elements come together to create a successful print. By the end of the session, your child will understand the complete journey from digital design to physical object.
- AR/VR (AUGMENTED REALITY/VIRTUAL REALITY) & 3D Animation Discovery
Sunday, March 2
1:00PM – 2:30PM
Ages 8-12
Class Description
This exciting course introduces your child to the cutting-edge world of augmented reality (AR) and 3D animation using Spline.design, a powerful yet accessible web-based platform. Students will dive into creating their own 3D designs and bringing them to life through animation, learning skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s digital world.
Using professional-grade tools simplified for young creators, students will learn the fundamentals of 3D design and animation in an engaging, hands-on environment. They’ll discover how to create and manipulate 3D objects, add movement and interactivity, and develop their own creative projects from start to finish.
One of the most exciting aspects of this course is that students will learn how to transform their creations into augmented reality experiences that can be viewed on mobile devices. Imagine their excitement when they can share their animated 3D designs with friends and family, watching their creations come to life in the real world through AR technology. This course opens up a new world of creative possibilities while building valuable skills in emerging technologies.
$50 per session for members, $60 for non-members.
Traditional STEM programs do a great job of laying the academic foundation, but Innovation Foundry workshops go further by focusing on hands-on innovation and real-world applications. Innovation Foundry workshops are designed to spark a “love of learning,” a key to success in school and beyond. They harness powerful open-source tools so students can jump right into designing and building. This unique approach mitigates intimidating aspects of technology that cause a fear of learning and promotes “Look what I can make!”
These workshops will show your child how easy it is to bring their imagination to Innovation Foundry—whether they are 3D-printing a custom item or watching their creations pop into the real world through augmented reality (Innovation Foundry) workshops to build confidence and excitement in young students.No prior experience is necessary. Parents are welcome to visit 10 minutes before the end of the workshop to see what your child has created.
About Innovation Foundry:
Mother-daughter Co-founders Carolyn and Cara Austring and their highly skilled instruction team, design and lead workshops that bridge art and technology with a thoughtful, hands-on approach.
Traditional STEM programs do a great job of laying the academic foundation, but Innovation Foundry workshops go further by focusing on hands-on innovation and real-world applications. Innovation Foundry workshops are designed to spark a “love of learning,” a key to success in school and beyond. Innovation Foundry workshops harness powerful open-source tools so students can jump right into designing and building. This unique approach mitigates intimidating aspects of technology that cause a fear of learning and promotes “Look what I can make!” Once students access the exciting power of technology, they will desire learning and invention beyond the workshop.
About Innovation Foundry Instructors:
Carolyn Austring, Co-Founder, graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Her passion is providing high-quality, technology-based instruction that builds real-world skills.
Founder Cara Austring’s specialized experience teaching Spline and her unique perspective as a high school student make her an exceptional mentor to younger students. Since Innovation Foundry’s launch three years ago, Cara has helped countless students create everything from interactive mobile applications to cutting-edge designs compatible with the Apple Vision Pro.
Kaitlin Juarez, Lead Instuctor, provides students with real-world expertise in product design and digital fabrication. As a former Peer Tutor & Technician at the renowned Rhode Island School of Design, Kaitlin has extensive experience guiding students in advanced manufacturing techniques and 3D fabrication.
