List all the geometric shapes we'll create for the collection
Active
🎯
Goal for this step
Plan the complete geometric shape set, 8 shapes plus a storage tray to hold them all.
👨👧
Parent note: This is the series finale! Your child will combine skills from all previous episodes to create a complete geometric shape collection. It's a longer project (~2 hours), so feel free to split it across sessions, progress saves automatically.
Our shape collection
We're going to create 8 geometric shapes, number each one, build a storage tray with labelled compartments, color-code everything, and batch print the whole set. Here's our list:
1Cube, all sides equal
2Sphere, perfectly round
3Cylinder, circular cross-section with height
4Cone, circular base tapering to a point
5Pyramid, square base with triangular sides
6Triangular Prism, triangle cross-section
7Hexagonal Prism, hexagon cross-section
8Torus, donut shape
The full set you are about to build. One shape per step, all sized around 25 mm so they feel like a matching family, plus a storage tray at the end.
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Open TinkerCAD and create a new design. Name it "Geometric Shape Set" so you can find it later.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
How many basic 3D shapes will we create for our collection?
A5
B8
C12
2
🟦
Create a Perfect Cube
Make a box with all equal dimensions, 25x25x25mm
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Goal for this step
Create a perfect cube where all three dimensions (width, depth, height) are exactly the same.
Build the cube
1Drag a Box shape from the Basic Shapes panel onto the workplane.
2Click on the box to select it. You'll see dimension handles appear.
3Set the Width to 25mm.
4Set the Depth to 25mm.
5Set the Height to 25mm.
Width, depth and height all read 25. If even one is different it is a box, not a cube. Type each number rather than dragging.
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What makes a cube special? All sides are equal! A regular box can have different width, depth, and height, but a cube must have the same value for all three.
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True or False?
+15 XP
A cube has all equal side lengths.
A cube has 8 faces.
All edges of a cube are the same length.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
What makes a cube different from a rectangular box?
AAll dimensions are equal
BIt has more faces
CIt has rounded corners
3
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Create a Sphere
Drag a sphere and learn about diameter vs radius
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Goal for this step
Create a sphere and understand the relationship between diameter and radius.
Build the sphere
1Drag a Sphere from the Basic Shapes panel onto the workplane.
2Click the sphere to select it.
3Set the diameter to 25mm. This means the sphere is 25mm across.
4The radius is half the diameter, so our sphere has a radius of 12.5mm.
No faces, no edges, one smooth surface. Diameter is all the way across; radius is centre to edge, exactly half.
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Diameter vs Radius: The diameter is the full width across the middle of a circle or sphere. The radius is half that, from the centre to the edge. Radius = Diameter ÷ 2.
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Fill in the Blanks
+15 XP
Our sphere has a diameter of mm. That means its radius is mm.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
If the diameter of a sphere is 25mm, what is the radius?
A25mm
B12.5mm
C50mm
4
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Create a Cylinder
Experiment with different heights and diameters
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Goal for this step
Create a cylinder and understand how diameter and height work together.
Build the cylinder
1Drag a Cylinder from the Basic Shapes panel onto the workplane.
2Set the diameter to 25mm.
3Set the height to 30mm, slightly taller than it is wide.
4Notice how a cylinder has 2 flat circular faces (top and bottom) and 1 curved surface wrapping around the side.
Two flat circles + one curved wrap. Slightly taller than wide (30 vs 25) so it reads as a tower, not a puck.
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A cylinder is like a tin can! The top and bottom are circles, and the side is a curved surface. Think of a Pringles tube.
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Code Challenge
+20 XP
Fill in the blanks to set the correct cylinder dimensions:
Cylinder Settings:
Diameter: mm
Height: mm
💡 Hint: The diameter is 25mm and the height is 30mm.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
A cylinder has how many flat faces?
A2 (top and bottom circles)
B1 (just the bottom)
C4 (top, bottom, and two sides)
5
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Create a Cone
Explore the base diameter and height relationship
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Goal for this step
Create a cone and explore what happens when you change the height-to-base ratio.
Build the cone
1Drag a Cone shape from the Basic Shapes panel onto the workplane. In TinkerCAD this may appear as "Cone" or you can find it under shape generators.
2Set the base diameter to 25mm.
3Set the height to 30mm.
4Try changing the height to 60mm while keeping the base at 25mm. Notice how it becomes a tall, thin spike!
5Set the height back to 30mm for our final set.
Try the spike experiment, then set it back. Doubling only the height completely changes the character of the shape, that is proportion at work.
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A cone has 1 flat face (the circular base) and 1 curved surface that tapers to a point. Think of an ice cream cone or a party hat!
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Predict What Happens
+15 XP
You set the base diameter to 25mm but change the height to 80mm.
What will the cone look like?
AA tall, thin cone, like a spike or needle
BA flat, wide cone, like a pancake
CIt will look the same as before
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
How many flat faces does a cone have?
A0, it's all curved
B2, top and bottom
C1, just the circular base
6
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Create a Pyramid
Build a pyramid using TinkerCAD's shape tools
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Goal for this step
Create a square-based pyramid and learn about its faces and properties.
Build the pyramid
1In TinkerCAD, look for a Pyramid shape in Basic Shapes, or search for it in Shape Generators.
2Drag the pyramid onto the workplane.
3Set the base width to 25mm and base depth to 25mm (square base).
4Set the height to 30mm.
5A square-based pyramid has 5 faces: 1 square base + 4 triangular sides.
25 × 25 base, 30 tall. Like a tiny Egyptian pyramid. Count the faces when it prints: four triangles plus the square it stands on.
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If you can't find a pyramid shape, try using the Roof shape or look in Shape Generators → All and search for "pyramid".
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True or False?
+15 XP
A square-based pyramid has a square base.
A square-based pyramid has 5 faces in total.
Pyramids and cones are the same shape.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
Where can you find a pyramid shape in TinkerCAD?
AIt doesn't exist in TinkerCAD
BIn Basic Shapes or Shape Generators
CYou have to draw it by hand
7
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Create a Triangular Prism
Understand cross-sections and prism shapes
Locked
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Goal for this step
Create a triangular prism and learn what a cross-section is.
Build the triangular prism
1Look for a Wedge or Roof shape in TinkerCAD's Basic Shapes, this creates a triangular prism.
2You can also find triangular prism shapes in Shape Generators.
3Set the width to 25mm, depth to 25mm, and height to 25mm.
4A cross-section is the shape you'd see if you sliced through the middle. If you slice a triangular prism, you get a triangle!
"Cross-section" = the shape you would see at the cut. A prism keeps the same cross-section all the way through, here, a triangle.
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Cross-section concept: Imagine slicing through a shape like cutting a loaf of bread. The shape of the slice is the cross-section. A triangular prism has a triangle cross-section, just like a Toblerone box!
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Fill in the Blanks
+15 XP
A triangular prism has a cross-section. If you sliced through it, the cut shape would be a .
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
What shape is the cross-section of a triangular prism?
ATriangle
BSquare
CCircle
8
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Create a Hexagonal Prism
Use the Polygon shape and set the number of sides
Locked
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Goal for this step
Create a hexagonal prism using the Polygon shape with 6 sides.
Build the hexagonal prism
1Find the Polygon shape in TinkerCAD's Basic Shapes or Shape Generators panel.
2Drag it onto the workplane.
3In the shape settings, set Sides to 6, this makes it a hexagon.
4Set the diameter to 25mm and height to 25mm.
5A hexagon has 6 equal sides. Hexagonal prisms are found everywhere in nature, honeycomb cells are hexagons!
Polygon shape + "Sides: 6" = hexagonal prism. 25 mm across, 25 tall. Bees build with hexagons because they tile with zero wasted space.
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The word "hex" means 6! A hexagon has 6 sides, just like a stop sign is an octagon (8 sides). Try changing the number of sides to see what other prisms look like.
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Code Challenge
+20 XP
Fill in the blank to create a hexagonal prism:
Polygon Settings:
Number of sides:
💡 Hint: "Hex" means 6!
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
How many sides does a hexagon have?
A5
B6
C8
9
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Create a Torus
Find the torus shape in the shape generators panel
Locked
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Goal for this step
Find and create a torus, a donut-shaped ring, from the Shape Generators panel.
Build the torus
1The torus is not in the Basic Shapes panel. Click the dropdown at the top of the shapes panel and switch to Shape Generators or All.
2Search for "Torus" or scroll through the shape generators to find it.
3Drag the torus onto the workplane.
4Set the outer diameter to about 25mm.
5A torus is like a donut, it has a hole through the middle and no edges or vertices!
Hiding in Shape Generators, not Basic Shapes. Switch the panel dropdown, search "torus", and meet the only shape in the set with a hole built in.
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A torus is one of the most interesting shapes! It's made by rotating a circle around an axis. You can find torus shapes in real life as donuts, bagels, and rings.
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True or False?
+15 XP
A torus looks like a donut.
The torus is found in TinkerCAD's Basic Shapes panel.
A torus has a hole through the middle.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
Where do you find the torus shape in TinkerCAD?
ABasic Shapes panel
BIt doesn't exist in TinkerCAD
CShape Generators panel
10
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Add Numbers to Each Shape
Use Text as a Hole to engrave numbers 1-8 on each shape
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Goal for this step
Number each shape 1-8 by using the Text shape as a Hole and grouping it with each shape.
Engrave numbers on each shape
1Find the Text shape in the Basic Shapes panel (or search for it).
2Drag a Text shape onto the workplane. Type the number "1".
3Resize the text to fit on the face of the cube, around 10-12mm tall.
4Change the text from Solid to Hole using the shape inspector (top right of the shape settings).
5Position the text on a flat face of the cube using the Align tool.
6Select both the cube and the text, then click Group (Ctrl+G). The number is now engraved!
7Repeat for shapes 2-8.
Number every shape 1 to 8. Same trick each time: a Text shape set to Hole, aligned onto a flat face, then grouped. The sphere and torus are trickiest, pick their flattest spot.
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When you set a shape to Hole and Group it with a Solid shape, TinkerCAD subtracts the hole from the solid, creating an engraved effect. This is called a Boolean subtraction.
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Put It In Order
+15 XP
Click these steps in the correct order to engrave a number on a shape:
Change the text to Hole
Drag a Text shape onto the workplane
Select both shapes and Group (Ctrl+G)
Type the number
Align the text on the shape face
Resize the text to fit
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
What happens when you Group a Hole shape with a Solid shape?
AThey both disappear
BThe Hole is subtracted from the Solid, creating an engraved cut
CNothing happens
11
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Create the Storage Tray
Build a large flat box with compartment walls
Locked
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Goal for this step
Build a storage tray with walls and dividers to hold all 8 shapes.
Build the tray
1Start a new TinkerCAD design for the tray (or build it next to your shapes).
2Drag a large Box onto the workplane, about 140mm wide x 80mm deep x 20mm tall.
3Create a slightly smaller box as a Hole, about 136mm x 76mm x 18mm. This will hollow out the inside.
4Raise the Hole box 2mm off the workplane (so the tray keeps a solid bottom).
5Select both and Group, you now have a hollow tray!
6Add thin wall dividers (solid boxes, 2mm thick) to create compartments for each shape.
Raise the hole box 2 mm before grouping, that is what leaves a solid floor instead of cutting straight through the bottom of the tray.
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Arrange the compartments in a 2x4 grid (2 rows of 4) so all 8 shapes have their own space. Each compartment should be about 32mm x 35mm.
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Predict What Happens
+15 XP
You've built the tray, but the compartments are exactly 25mm x 25mm, the same size as your shapes.
What will happen when you try to put the shapes in?
AThe shapes won't fit, there's no room for printing tolerance or easy removal
BThey'll fit perfectly every time
CThe shapes will shrink to fit
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
How do you hollow out a box in TinkerCAD?
AClick a "hollow" button
BDelete the inside with an eraser
CPlace a slightly smaller Hole box inside and Group them
12
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Size the Compartments
Add 2mm clearance so shapes fit easily after printing
Locked
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Goal for this step
Size each compartment slightly larger than its shape, adding 2mm clearance for printing tolerance.
Calculate compartment sizes
1Each shape is roughly 25mm across. We need to add 2mm of clearance, 1mm on each side.
2So each compartment should be about 27mm x 27mm at minimum.
3For the taller shapes (cylinder, cone), make the tray walls at least 18mm tall so they stay secure.
4The torus and sphere need slightly wider compartments, about 29mm, because they can roll.
5Double-check each compartment by placing the shape inside it in TinkerCAD to test the fit.
Test the fit inside TinkerCad: drop each shape into its compartment on screen. If it overlaps a wall there, it will not fit in real life either.
👨👧
Parent note: Clearance is important in 3D printing because printed objects are never perfectly exact. Adding 1-2mm of extra space on each side ensures pieces fit together properly.
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Fill in the Blanks
+15 XP
We add mm of clearance. So a 25mm cube needs a compartment that is mm wide.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
Why do we add 2mm clearance to each compartment?
ATo make the tray look bigger
BBecause the shapes will grow during printing
CFor printing tolerance and easy removal of shapes
13
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Add Labels to Compartments
Engrave shape names on each compartment
Locked
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Goal for this step
Add text labels to each compartment so you know which shape goes where.
Label each compartment
1For each compartment, drag a Text shape onto the workplane.
2Type the shape name, e.g., "CUBE", "SPHERE", etc.
3Make the text small enough to fit, around 4-5mm tall.
4Set each text to Hole, this will engrave the names into the tray bottom.
5Position each label at the bottom of its compartment.
6Make the text only 1mm deep so it doesn't go all the way through the tray.
7Select the tray and all labels, then Group to engrave them all at once.
Depth matters here: the floor is only 2 mm thick, so make the label text 1 mm deep. Full-depth letters would punch holes right through the tray.
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Labels can be engraved (cut into the surface using Holes) or raised (added as solid shapes on top). Engraved labels are easier to print and won't break off.
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True or False?
+15 XP
Labels help identify where each shape goes in the tray.
Labels must always be raised, they can't be engraved.
Text size affects readability, smaller text may be harder to read.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
What's the advantage of engraving labels (Hole) instead of raising them (Solid)?
AEngraved labels are easier to print and won't break off
BRaised labels are always better
CThere's no difference
14
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Color-Code Everything
Assign matching colors to shapes and their compartments
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Goal for this step
Assign a unique color to each shape and its matching compartment for easy sorting.
Color-code the set
1Click on the Cube to select it.
2In the shape inspector, click the color swatch to open the color picker.
3Choose a color, e.g., Red for the cube.
4Now color the cube's compartment in the tray the same Red color.
5Repeat for all 8 shapes, choosing a different color for each:
1. Cube = Red, 2. Sphere = Blue, 3. Cylinder = Green, 4. Cone = Yellow,
5. Pyramid = Orange, 6. Tri-Prism = Purple, 7. Hex-Prism = Pink, 8. Torus = Teal
Same colour, same home. Colour each shape AND its compartment identically; younger kids can then put the set away without reading a single label.
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Color-coding in TinkerCAD is for visual reference, it helps you see which shape goes where. When 3D printing, you'll use the filament color you have. But if you have multiple filament colors, you can print each shape in its assigned color!
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Code Challenge
+20 XP
Fill in the blanks, what color should the compartment be to match its shape?
Cube shape color: Red
Cube compartment color:
Sphere shape color: Blue
Sphere compartment color:
💡 Hint: The compartment should match the shape's color!
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
Why color-code shapes and their compartments?
ABecause TinkerCAD requires it
BSo it's easy to match where each shape belongs
CTo make the file size smaller
15
🖨️
Export & Batch Printing
Export as STL and print multiple objects in one go
Locked
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Goal for this step
Export your complete set as STL files and learn how to batch print multiple objects at once.
Export and print
1In TinkerCAD, click the Export button (top right).
2Choose .STL as the file format, this is the standard format for 3D printing.
3You can export all shapes at once or individually.
4Open your slicer software (like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio).
5Import all your shapes. Batch printing means arranging multiple objects on the build plate and printing them all in one job.
6Arrange all pieces on the build plate with about 5mm gap between each one.
7Set your layer height, 0.2mm is a good balance of speed and quality.
8Click Slice, then print! The tray should be printed separately as it's much larger.
Batch printing = the whole set in one go. Space the shapes about 5 mm apart on the build plate in the slicer. The tray is bigger than the rest combined, print it on its own.
🎉
You've completed the entire series! You now know how to design, dimension, combine, label, and print 3D objects. You're a real 3D printing maker!
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Put It In Order
+15 XP
Click these in the correct order to batch print your shapes:
Set layer height and slice
Export all shapes as STL from TinkerCAD
Print!
Arrange all pieces on the build plate with 5mm gaps
Open slicer software and import the STL files
✏️
Fill in the Blanks
+15 XP
The standard 3D printing file format is . When batch printing, arrange pieces with a mm gap between them.
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Final Knowledge Check
+15 XP
What is batch printing?
APrinting one object at a time very slowly
BPrinting multiple objects in one print job
CPrinting the same object over and over
🛠️ Printed it and something's not right?
The sphere and torus came out flattened or messy at the bottom. Round bottoms are hard to print. Ask for supports on the sphere and torus, or accept the small flat spot, it also stops them rolling off the table!
The shapes don't fit in the tray compartments. Check you gave each compartment the clearance from step 12 (27mm, 29mm for the rollers). Quick rescue: scale the printed-tray file up by 2% and re-print the tray.
The cone and pyramid tips are stringy. Tiny tips overheat because each layer prints so fast. Ask for a minimum layer time of 10 seconds, or print two shapes at once so the printer alternates.
The engraved numbers are hard to read. Make them bigger (12mm+) and only 1mm deep, and pick a flat face. Numbers engraved on curved faces always come out ragged.
🎉🔷🔶🎊⭐
You Completed the 3D Print Series!
Incredible, you've finished all 8 episodes of My First 3D Prints! From your very first TinkerCAD shape to a complete geometric collection with a custom storage tray. You've mastered shapes, dimensions, Booleans, text, color-coding, and batch printing. You're a true 3D printing maker!
