Curriculum · AI Programs
3D Creation: The 3D Invention & Toy Design Program
EP3 completed or G4+ (Selected, Required)
From bold imagination, to real product creation, to the global competitive stage — this is where ideas become reality.
This is a selective maker lab designed for curious and capable students in Grade 4 and above. Across two phases and roughly 56 sessions, students learn to use 3D printing as a powerful tool for invention — crossing the boundaries of art, engineering, and product design to create work that is visually appealing, functional, marketable, and competition-ready.
Every project is treated as a real invention. Students develop authentic products, refine them through feedback and iteration, and prepare them for presentation in a competitive setting — leaving with real 3D inventions, real product development experience, and a competition journey worth including in any future portfolio or application.
Program Overview
Format
Two-phase program · ~56 sessions total
Eligibility
EP3 completed or Grade 4+
Program Phases
Phase 1 · Explore × Create × Sell
Phase 1 is the exploration stage. Students move through three creative tracks and experience the full cycle of design → model → print → sell.
Digital Art Collectibles
Design original art pieces with strong visual style and creative identity.
Industrial Prototype Design
Build product-style prototypes with a focus on structure, form, and function.
Everyday Tool Invention
Identify real-life problems and invent practical tools with user value.
- • 3D modeling with Tinkercad and Fusion 360
- • Product branding, pricing, packaging, and presentation
- • Sales pitch skills and real marketplace experience
- • Product refinement through customer feedback and sales data
- • Phase 1 Demo Day with certificate and Phase 2 qualification
Phase 2 · Design × Compete × Showcase Globally
Phase 2 is the competition stage. Students choose either toy design or board game design and prepare for Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) 2027, with the opportunity to showcase at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair.
- • Competition strategy and winning project analysis
- • Advanced concept development and product refinement
- • Multiple rounds of modeling, printing, and testing
- • Competition-level branding, packaging, and presentation
- • Video production and official submission materials
- • Final Demo Day with public showcase and inventor portfolio
About The Competition
What Level of Competition Is YIC?
Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) is one of the most respected international competitions in youth toy invention. Organized by People of Play, part of the U.S. toy industry community, YIC has been held for over 20 years and hosts its international finals each November at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG). The competition is open to young inventors ages 6–18 from around the world.
A number of past entries have gone on to be licensed by major toy companies such as Hasbro, Mattel, and Pressman Toy, with products later sold through major retail channels including Target and Amazon — a real gateway to the global toy industry.
Students who complete Phase 2 will officially submit their inventions to YIC 2027 as individual competitors and may have the opportunity to showcase their work in person at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. MGA provides full support throughout the process, including competition strategy, submission materials, video production, and final submission guidance.
Who Should Apply
- Students in Grade 4 and above with developing spatial reasoning and creative thinking skills
- Hands-on makers who genuinely enjoy building, inventing, and creating
- Curious young creators interested in invention, art, or engineering
- Students with future academic goals looking to strengthen applications with project-based achievements
Ready for the Next Level?
Book a free trial class and talk to our team about which innovation track fits your child.