Programs
Modeling Programs Deepen Science Learning
3D Molecular Designs strengthens your instruction and opens doors for your students to participate in STEM beyond their coursework.
Our programs connect hands-on, model-based learning to authentic scientific thinking so learners build an enduring understanding of molecular concepts and practices.
Programs for Teachers, Students, and Schools
From summer professional learning to student competitions, our programs help teachers and students use physical models to make invisible molecular structures and processes more concrete. Whether you're building your own confidence with modeling or expanding what's possible for your students, we offer cohesive programs that fit your course, schedule, and school or district needs.
“The SMART Team program transforms students from passive learners into practicing scientists. Students learn how to interpret complex research, use evidence to answer meaningful questions, and communicate their understanding in ways that are accessible to different audiences.”
— Chris Chou, High School Educator and SMART Team Advisor
Programs at a Glance
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Summer Courses
PL experiences to help you build confidence using models in your science instruction and to become a leader in your school and/or district.
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Lending Library
Borrow kits for your students and give your colleagues the opportunity to see their value. Borrowing often leads to permanently adding the kits to your classroom!
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SMART Teams Program
Student-centered experiences that connect biomolecular research with modeling, inquiry, and authentic science communication.
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3DMD Model Teacher Program
Our professional learning continues for this teacher-focused community focused on leadership, modeling, and peer learning.
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Protein Modeling Event
Competition support and learning resources for teams and event supervisors for the Science Olympiad Protein Modeling Event.
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APSI Support
Classroom kits, giveaways, and educator tools to help instructors bring hands-on molecular modeling into their APSI sessions.
“The professional development experiences I have had through the 3D Molecular Designs have completely changed my perception of the natural world. Each workshop fosters community, inquiry, and a deep understanding of the molecular basis of life. I have developed professional relationships that continue to challenge me long after the workshop has ended.”
— Summer Course Participant
Summer Courses
Summer Courses offer immersive professional learning focused on teaching with molecular models. You explore how using physical models and research-based instructional strategies help all learners better understand core molecular bioscience and biology concepts. By learning through modeling, your students will build an understanding of structures and processes they can’t see. Designed for high school and college instructors, these courses will equip you with both modeling pedagogy and a deeper molecular understanding you can use right away.
3DMD Model Teacher Program
The 3DMD Model Teacher Program is a teacher leadership, community-focused initiative centered on real classroom implementation. Using our materials, Model Teachers experiment with modeling strategies, share what works with colleagues at workshops across the country, and help shape resources that better support their students. Model Teacher webinars provide ongoing professional learning on new research developments. It’s a space for educators who want to deepen their own practice and contribute to a broader community of model-based teaching.
Lending Library
The Lending Library gives you access to classroom kits and models without needing to purchase them immediately. You can borrow select kits for a week, try them with your students in genetics, protein structure, biochemistry, and see how models help make abstract ideas more concrete. Every kit is supported with free activities, handouts, teacher notes, and digital resources, so you can plan, test, and evaluate before deciding if modeling with them helps your students’ understanding of complex concepts, structures, and functions.
SMART Teams
SMART Teams create student-centered opportunities that connect molecular modeling, inquiry, and timely science research. Teams work with mentors and resources to investigate a biomolecular topic, build and analyze models, and communicate a structure–function story grounded in current research. The program invites students to engage with authentic scientific questions while developing collaboration, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
Protein Modeling Event
The Protein Modeling Event supports students participating in Science Olympiad as they learn about protein structure and function through modeling. Resources help teams practice building accurate structures, interpreting representations, and connecting molecular shape to biological roles. It’s a way for students to apply their modeling skills in a competitive, motivating setting that fosters a deep conceptual understanding of proteins.
APSI Support
APSI Support helps AP Summer Institute instructors and participants use our molecular modeling kits during their course. Modeling with our materials helps their students to better understand AP-level concepts and apply them to other scenarios on AP and College Board exams. Depending on the session format, institutes can receive classroom kits or student modeling packs, along with ideas for weaving modeling into their curriculum and assessment. 3D Molecular Designs can also connect a Model Teacher to your session to highlight practical strategies. APSI participants receive access to discounts and follow-up resources for their own classrooms!
Ready to explore programs to increase understanding and critical thinking skills?
Whether you’re ready to register or just exploring what’s possible, we’re here to help you find the right program for you and your students.