Writing You Can Hold: Exploring Symbolism Through 3D Printing

Blending Writing and 3D Printing: The Magical Artifacts Project

One of my favorite projects to lead with Grade 5 students was the 3D Magical Artifacts

Project. Our central question was this:

This idea started when a Grade 5 teacher approached me and said, “Mark, I really want to find a way to blend writing with 3D printing.” Together, we brainstormed and realized fantasy writing provided the perfect opportunity. Looking at the standards, we saw that symbolism was a key focus: “Have students analyze how literary devices, including symbolism, are used to develop the author’s message.”

From there, the project took shape. Students were tasked with writing a fantasy story that included a symbolic artifact—a magical object that carried deeper meaning. For example, one student created an orb that represented freedom for their main character.

The Process

• Idea Generation – Students brainstormed potential artifacts, discussed their symbolic meanings, and shared ideas with peers for feedback.

• Design & Modeling – After narrowing their ideas down to one artifact, students used Tinkercad, a free and student-friendly 3D modeling tool, to bring their creations to life. We supported different levels of experience by offering tutorials for beginners, advanced pathways for confident designers, and a system of digital badges tied to success criteria.

• Printing & Sharing – Once designs were finalized, we moved to 3D printing. The process was slow, but when students finally held their artifacts, the excitement was undeniable. Some turned their creations into jewelry and wore them proudly for the rest of the year.

  

  
  

Why This Worked

This project was powerful because it:

• Connected literary analysis with hands-on creation, making symbolism tangible.

• Encouraged collaboration and peer feedback during the design process.

• Provided natural differentiation through pathways and badges.

• Gave students a meaningful, lasting artifact tied to their writing.

By combining writing standards with design technology, students not only strengthened their understanding of symbolism but also experienced the joy of creating something meaningful and personal. Watching their eyes light up when they held their magical artifacts confirmed that the extra time and effort were worth it.