2. Digital fabrication in education

For this week I designed and cut a sticker about lab safety for my classroom.

Assignment

Answer the following reflection questions: How does this process relate to what you are teaching in the classroom? How does this project inspire you? Shortly describe an educational activity in which you could use a vinyl cutter. Explain how would you implement each one of the steps of the design process model explained in the Master Class. Do not forget to discuss about learning outcomes. In which part of the digital fabrication continuum would you feel more comfortable? Why? Tasks in the Fab Lab Introduction to Vector Graphics How to design something to be vinyl cut? Using the vinyl cutter and (voluntarily) the heat press

By turning safety rules into visual representations like stickers, we’re making the rules more accessible and easier to remember for students. This is especially helpful in a science laboratory setting where safety is critical. Instead of just teaching safety rules verbally or in written form, we’re embedding them into the lab environment through visible cues. This makes the learning process more interactive and integrated into daily routines, enhancing student awareness and adherence to safety protocols. This project inspire me by combining creativity, safety, and technology, which aligns with my passion for making education more engaging and interactive. It shows how digital fabrication tools can be used not just for artistic or engineering projects, but for practical, real-world applications like enhancing safety in the laboratory. The project encourages me to think beyond traditional methods of teaching and explore new ways of delivering important messages, such as safety rules, in a visually appealing and memorable format. It also motivates me to continue integrating maker mindset principles into my educational approach, where students can learn by creating, designing, and problem-solving. This hands-on, interactive way of teaching and learning makes the classroom a dynamic space where both creativity and responsibility are fostered.

Safety stickers

When working with materials in the laboratory, it is essential to wear gloves, glasses, and a gown.

• To create reminders of these safety rules, I used the Inkscape software.
• First, I utilized Inkscape’s drawing and vector tools, such as the Bezier tool for creating precise shapes and the Node tool for adjusting curves and paths, to design the icons. Then, I used the Fill and Stroke tool to add color and adjust the visual details. After finalizing the designs, I exported them for cutting using a vinyl cutter. The stickers I prepared were then placed on the lab tables as visual reminders, ensuring that students always remember the importance of following laboratory safety rules before starting an experiment.

the final version:

how did i get the paper sizes?

reflection questions

• How does this process relate to what you are teaching in the classroom?

How does this project inspire you? Shortly describe an educational activity in which you could use a vinyl cutter. Explain how would you implement each one of the steps of the design process model explained in the Master Class. Do not forget to discuss about learning outcomes. In which part of the digital fabrication continuum would you feel more comfortable? Why? Tasks in the Fab Lab Introduction to Vector Graphics How to design something to be vinyl cut? Using the vinyl cutter and (voluntarily) the heat press