3D Planets Camp

Another planet in your hands

When PARI got its first 3D printer over a decade ago, our educators set out to find a way to combine it with space science.  With practice, experimentation, and some help from our friends, 3D Planets began a few years later in 2015.  

3D printers are continue to grow in use and find new uses in science and technology, and space exploration, and we’re excited to offer our next round of 3D Planets programs and camps.

3D Planets is a camp experience designed to immerse students in Planetary Geography, 3D Modeling and Printing, Three Dimensional Spatial Reasoning, and Communication.

Dates & Pricing

Three Sessions to Choose From

June 16, 2024 – June 21, 2024
$1,650.00
$50 registration fee

June 23, 2024 – June 28, 2024
$1,650.00
$50 registration fee

June 30, 2024 – July 5, 2024
$1,650.00
$50 registration fee

Quick Links

With real data about the surface of the Moon, Mars, and beyond, what will you investigate?

  • Evidence of an ancient river that gives hints about an environment from long ago?
  • Volcanos and lava flows that shaped the terrain? 🌋
  • Craters left by violent impacts bearing the name of a famous scientist or mathematician? 

Camp Description

  • Campers learn how to access and use data collected by spacecraft about the surface of other planets and moons.  They will understand the processes by which it is collected and what it means.
  • They will be able to find and identify geographical and geological features and regions and find evidence of what formed them and how old they are.  Earth isn’t the only place with volcanoes, rifts, ancient rivers, and glaciers.  
  • Systems like latitude and longitude will be applied to other bodies in our solar system and we will discuss how they can be adjusted to fit places other than Earth.  We’ll relate them to axis in a 3D modeling system and learn how to represent real places in a virtual space.
  • Campers will use hands-on models, computer software, 3D printers, and real NASA provided data to conduct their research and produce their models.
  • Our large radio telescopes will be used to demonstrate and understand how the data that spacecraft and satellites collect is transmitted to Earth and collected to it can be used.
  • PARI’s emphasis on community and teamwork enables campers to establish friendships that last a lifetime.  Many campers from this program return as interns and counselors.
  • Campers will participate in fun and engaging recreational activities built to encourage social comradery and confidence while exploring the spectacular Pisgah Forest and Blue Ridge Mountain region.

Surrounded by natural beauty in a forest perfect for adventure

PARI embraces our unique location with plenty of time outside of the classroom too.

Field Trips & Activities

  • Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest to take in amazing views.
  • Visit dramatic cascades in PARI’s home in The Land of Waterfalls, then go swimming nearby or tubing.
  • Take a break with the best ice cream around at one of our favorite ice cream shops.
  • Toast marshmallows, make s’mores, tell stories, listen to music, and be dazzled by the atmosphere around our giant camp fire.
  • Compete in challenges to build the most powerful rocket or a lander that can withstand whatever it’s thrown at.
  • Design spacey t-shirts.
  • Search for the answers hidden around you in our camp long scavenger hunt.
  • Unwind in the rec room with board games, puzzles, pool-table, ping-pong, foosball, and air-hockey, or kick back and relax.
  • Master our signature game, PARI Ball

You want to make sure your model can be used by people who take in information in different ways. What could you do so it can be understood with touch?

  • Make your lettering raised above the model and choose a font that is clear with distinct letters.
  • Learn to use Braille to represent your label and ensure the size and spacing is consistent and readable. 👆
  • Choose a material that is comfortable to touch and creates models with distinct edges.

Academic Curriculum

Learn to recognize and identify geographical features on other planets and moons.

  • Learn to use NASA data to map other worlds.
  • Learn how radio telescopes are used to communicate with spacecrafts and satellites that study places in space.
  • Think in multiple dimensions and create accurate virtual models of real places using coordinate systems and mapping techniques.
  • Explore how different types of 3D printers work to turn models into real objects.
  • Research the history of humanity’s study of our solar system and how things are identified and named.
  • Experience the variety of ways different people take in and use information to understand something new, examples like Braille will be explored.
  • Sharpen presentation skills through the delivery of your work to an audience of peers and professionals.
  • Develop teamwork skills by collaborating with others while attempting to solve complex problems.

Campers in the high school (advanced) version of 3D Planets will also:

  • Learn the math used to translate data in to coordinate systems for computer modeling and map-making purposes.
  • Learn ways to code 3D models for increased accuracy and precision and to rapidly produce variations of models.

Register for a 3D Planets camp. Choose a session based on the grade level of your camper.

Get ready for camp with out of this world PARI accessories

Each pattern is available on a huge variety of items.  Click one to see everything you can choose from!