The STEM Through Digital Fabrication Program is a six-week initiative designed to empower teachers and students at a college in Abu Dhabi through hands-on learning with advanced fabrication technologies using the acclaimed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) FabLab program. The program integrated design thinking and digital fabrication tools—such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and microcontrollers—to enhance STEM education and foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Both teachers (n=13) and students (n=15) program focused on integrating digital fabrication into STEM education through a hands-on approach that emphasized design thinking and tool evaluation in collaborative learning environments. Teachers were required to design and apply what they learned in one or more of their classes.

This paper showcases the results obtained by a group of teachers who implemented the program with their Grade 5 students. The teachers designed the project, “From Imagination to Innovation,” leading her students to design and construct AI-assisted vending machines. The paper also discusses the effects of the program on the 15 students who participated in the college program.

From Imagination to Innovation project showed that, beyond technical skills, the experience promoted 21st-century competencies such as teamwork, communication, and resilience. Shy learners gained confidence, and enthusiasm for STEM careers increased. Teachers transitioned from traditional roles to facilitators and mentors. The project concluded with a school-wide showcase, inspiring future expansion into a comprehensive makerspace initiative. Students applied core mathematics (e.g., geometry, unit conversions, statistics) and science (e.g., gravity, friction, material properties) to solve real-world problems using Tinkercad and microbit coding. The iterative design process helped students develop prototypes, overcome engineering challenges, and build functional devices.

For the 15 secondary students who participated in the college program, a post-program survey measured the satisfaction, learning outcomes, and engagement. Results showed that 100% of participants were satisfied with the overall experience, with 67% reporting a heightened interest in future FabLab programs, and 80% rating the hands-on component as excellent. Additionally, 67% believed the program positively impacted their classroom projects, while 73% were satisfied with the level of support and resources.

These two examples highlight the transformative potential of integrating digital fabrication into the classroom to drive meaningful, interdisciplinary learning.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing, digital fabrication, student engagement, inclusive design, STEM education.