Balloon-powered cars and marble runs gave students a practical introduction to 3D printing in a summer workshop series described on Bambu Lab's blog on September 17, 2026.
Learning through a working project
Emma Albert, a mechanical engineering student at Michigan Technological University and Bambu Lab campus ambassador, led monthly sessions at her local Boys & Girls Club. Participants ranged from second grade through high school.
Her report describes car races that explored weight and infill, marble-run challenges against a live print job, and activities explaining how fidget toys are built in layers. Students took home working projects, and Albert donated a marble-run set for continued use.
Read Albert's firsthand workshop account for the activities and the community model credits.
A useful idea for sharing a hobby
What stands out to us is the clear goal in each activity. Participants had something to build, try, and discuss. That is an approachable structure for an adult hobby meetup, too.
For a tabletop group, try a terrain-layout challenge: give everyone the same handful of pieces and ask them to arrange a scene with an entrance, an obstacle, and a destination. Compare the layouts and let each person explain one choice. It is an original activity you can run with existing models, and a way to start a conversation about why a design works.
Published October 3, 2026. Featured photo: from Emma Albert's Bambu Lab workshop report; the source credits the balloon-car design to community maker @KefmaDE.