If you’re looking for a renewable energy STEM activity that blends engineering design, 3D printing, and real‑world problem‑solving, the Engineering Renewable Energy 3D Print Lab offers an engaging way to bring clean energy concepts to life. This hands‑on project invites students to explore how wind and solar power can be harnessed by designing and printing their own working models. With opportunities to test, refine, and improve their creations, students gain not only a deeper understanding of renewable energy systems but also valuable engineering and critical‑thinking skills that transfer directly to future STEM careers.
Solar Design Challenge
The first challenge in the Engineering Renewable Energy 3D Print Lab is the Solar Design Challenge. Students explore solar energy fundamentals and apply engineering principles to design, 3D print, and assemble eight commercial and residential solar array components. They test and optimize their designs to maximize voltage output, reinforcing concepts of efficiency, wiring, and renewable energy production. This challenge mirrors the real work of solar energy engineers, helping students connect classroom learning to modern clean‑energy careers.
Wind Turbine Design Challenge
After mastering solar power, students move on to wind power. Similar to the solar challenge, they design, 3D print, and assemble a power-generating wind turbine. They also test voltage output and iterate their designs to improve performance. Each turbine consists of seven components that they’ll design in CAD software of their choice. Students also learn how to operate a 3D printer—preparing the machine, transferring files, and monitoring prints—gaining essential manufacturing experience.
Skills Students Learn
The renewable energy STEM activity helps students build a wide range of technical and employability skills that connect directly to real-world engineering and clean‑energy careers. As they design, 3D print, assemble, and test their solar and wind energy systems, students develop the following skills:
- Engineering design and iteration
- CAD modeling and digital design
- 3D printing and manufacturing
- Data collection and analysis
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Technical awareness
This skills-based based approach gives students hands‑on experience with engineering thinking, manufacturing processes, and clean‑energy systems—making learning both meaningful and industry-relevant.
Digital Curriculum and Student Workbooks
To save lesson planning time, this renewable energy STEM activity includes digital curriculum materials, student slide presentations, and a student workbook. The curriculum features 11 lessons—each with its own slide deck—introducing students to the design challenges and guiding them through the entire process, from 3D modeling to refining their builds. By connecting digital design with physical assembly, students see their ideas come to life.
Expert-Led Tutorials
New to CAD software? Not a problem. This renewable energy STEM activity includes access to expert-led Tinkercad, Autodesk Fusion 360, and SolidWorks tutorial videos. Aaron Rhodes, a mechanical engineer and the owner of an engineering design company, walks students through how to create every component step by step. With nearly 20 years of experience in product design and manufacturing, Rhodes brings real‑world expertise to every tutorial, drawing on work that ranges from simple prototypes to patented industrial equipment.
All-Inclusive Package
This renewable energy STEM activity includes hardware, machines, and curriculum needed to run the lab. You can purchase it with or without a 3D printer, depending on your classroom setup. The activity includes mounting hardware, solar panels, and wind turbine mechanical units for students to attach their components to. It also comes with multimeters for testing voltage output. Ready-to-print CAD files are provided for added instructional flexibility.
Who Is This Lab For?
The Engineering Renewable Energy 3D Print Lab is ideal for middle school courses in career exploration, engineering, technical education, trades exploration, or STEM. It’s also a powerful addition to high school programs in construction, engineering, CAD, civil engineering, and robotics. This renewable energy STEM activity helps students explore careers in solar PV installation and wind turbine technician technology.
Additional Resources
- Explore all our STEM learning tools here
- Learn about inspiring students through hands-on STEM with this free, on-demand webinar
- Access free STEM career exploration lessons
