We thought we would have a bit of fun with our design challenges this week. Makers Empire 3D design software is a great tool for creating and manipulating objects in 3D, developing spatial skills and designing anything you can imagine. So here are our top ten mind-boggling brain-teasers for you to try with your students.
1. Impossible Shapes 
Can you design a shape that looks like it is impossible?
For example, could you design this impossible looking cube as seen on Brandon.com in Makers Empire’s Blocker module? Check out more impossible ideas.
2. Riddle Me
Find a tricky riddle like the one below and illustrate your answer by designing it in 3D.
I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I? (answer: a candle or a pencil
3. Pixel Art
Makers Empire’s Blocker Module is an awesome place to create amazing pixel art. Put your skills to the test and create something incredible.
4. Puzzle Me
If we start with this shape:
5. Tetris
Can you fill up the design plate area in the Blocker or Shaper module by fitting shapes together without leaving any gaps (Tetris style?) Use as many different shapes or block arrangements as you can.
6. Freeze Frame
Load up a movie or YouTube video and freeze your favourite character by pausing it mid-action. Use the Makers Empire Character Module to recreate the character’s pose as accurately as you can.
7. Build a toy
Use the Toy Designer module with a dice. Roll the dice to select how many body parts you will use to create your crazy toy. You could play this as a game with a friend. The winner could be the first person to have 10 body parts on their design.
8. Marvellous Machine
Use the Cogger Module to design a marvellous machine. You need to make sure that all parts will move together when you press play.
9. Link it
Work with a partner to design a robot with two sections that will connect together once 3D printed. This might be with interlocking sections for example.
10. Be in it to win it
Makers Empire has a Design Thinking challenge competition in the software every month. So check out our Competition Module and be in it to win it!
Makers Empire’s Lesson Ideas are free, quick and easy ideas to get you started with 3D design and printing. We hope you enjoyed this post.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Mandi Dimitriadis, DipT. is an experienced classroom teacher who recognises the power of technology to enhance teaching and improve educational outcomes. Mandi has extensive experience with curriculum development and learning, having previously developed programs for the Australian Government’s Department of Education. She is passionate about Design Thinking and how best to prepare today’s students for the future.
