If you've ever been to the Arizona Science Center, you might have noticed the building right next door that says CREATE at Arizona Science Center and wondered what it was. This is their space that is specifically designed to be a makers space with everything you need to complete hands on projects along with taking beginners classes for skills such as 3D printing or using a laser to etch wood, etc. They offer a variety of projects and classes for different ages, even adults can join in on a class if you are looking to learn about a new skill or hobby. My children and I were recently able to participate in their 3D printing skills studio. The 3D skills studio is for ages 8+ and cost $35 per person, children ages 8-13 will need a parent to accompany them. Each skills studio runs for about sixty minutes, at the end of the class you will have completed a small print that you are able to take home. You will need to pre-register for a class in order to participate.
The lab area they have you take the course in will have everything you need from laptops to printers and filament, so you will not need to bring anything to the class with you. We were lucky & there were only two other people in the class with us which allowed more one on one time to ask questions or troubleshoot anything that happened to pop up. Our skills shop host was friendly & very knowledgeable of not just the specific programs and machines they use in the CREATE space, but he was also able to tell us about some other helpful websites and programs. My son received a 3D printer for Christmas, so this is a class we wanted to take so we could learn a bit more about the creating process.
During our class we talked about a few of the different slicing programs you need to take a print file & convert it to the correct size and file for the printer to create your project. We were shown how to upload a project onto the Prusaslicer, how to resize the project along with how to change the infill, temperature of the print, and how to add in stops or pauses to be able to switch out the filament color. Once everything was completed & loaded up onto a memory card we were able to then plug that into the 3D printers to start our projects.
We were all assigned our own printer to use & were shown how to remove the old remaining filament from the previous use and add the color we wanted for our project. While our projects were printing, we were able to watch them to ensure everything was running smoothly and went over how to remove the project after the printing was complete. It also gave us a little extra time to ask any additional questions and take a look at some of the finished printing projects they had on display.
We all enjoyed the class & the information has been helpful in getting everything set up with our printer at home. I feel like everything was set up in a way that was easy to understand and follow along with the class, this is perfect for anyone who is a hands on learner vs just watching a how to video on youtube. If you do not already own a 3D printer it also gives you a chance to take a look at some different models in person to help you figure out which printer you'd like to purchase. If you prefer not to purchase your own printer, they offer what is called a LaterLab, where you can come in & use the equipment they have to freely create your own projects and ask for help if needed.
As previously mentioned aside from the skill studios, they offer mini maker sessions where you can create a wooden project. Projects & prices for the projects vary depending on what you are wanting to build. The mini makers projects you do not need to pre-register for, they have drop in hours from 11am until 2:45pm so you can swing in either before or after you visit the Science Center. This is a great spot to visit to beat the heat during the summer while allowing your child to complete a fun project. Stop by their website to learn more about one of the fun projects or classes you can complete!
🔬 If you were to register for a skills studio would you prefer to do woodworking 101, Laser cutting, 3D printing or Sewing?
🌵 If you live in Arizona check out the "Things to do in Arizona" section of my blog to find entertainment, restaurants, vacation spots & more. (Click on the name or locate it on the right-hand side of my page).
Disclaimer- The skills studio mentioned above was provided by The Arizona Science Center / CREATE for the review free of charge no other compensation was provided. However, no product compensation will influence the outcome of any review. My honest opinions are used in all reviews, they are solely my own & they may vary from others. My reviews are posted for readers in order to provide an informed decision before purchase.
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