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4. Field Activity: Digital Fabrication for kids

Respiratory System Puzzle

This week, I worked on creating a lesson plan focused on the respiratory system for students. The plan includes a physical teaching aid, and a respiratory system puzzle, which is a hands-on learning tool to help students understand the organs involved in respiration and their respective functions.

Design Process

Identifying Learning Goals

The aim was to create a tool that simplifies complex concepts about the respiratory system into an interactive format. Learning outcomes included recognizing each organ, understanding its role in respiration, and visualizing how the system functions. I studied the structure of the respiratory system and its functions to ensure the design would accurately represent all components. Key elements like the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and diaphragm were included.

Initial sketches were made to map out the layout and ensure the puzzle format would fit together cohesively. A modular approach was used so that each piece corresponds to a specific organ or component.

I used Corel Draw to create the puzzle’s digital files. The designs were prepared in layers to highlight organ positions and ensure precise cutting.

Material Selection

I chose available and eco-friendly materials like a picca box and felt for the puzzle.

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Laser Cutting

The puzzle pieces were laser-cut using precise measurements to achieve an accurate fit. Labels and organ names were engraved onto the pieces for easy identification.

Once all the pieces were cut, they were assembled to check for alignment and functionality.Than I glued the felt on cardboard with paper glue.

The puzzle introduced in the classroom as part of an interactive session.

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By engaging with the puzzle, students will achieve a deeper understanding of the respiratory system in a fun and tactile way.

Reflection Questions

Compare the lesson plan with a similar activity that does not include the physical teaching aid. * Before having puzzles, children would learn about these topics with the help of textbooks, and we would also find various videos on the topic and study them that way, without any physical tools. Than we give them exersices, they will put correct answer , for each organ, or somethimes we give the name of organes and they will explain organs functions Identify challenges and opportunities in integrating digital fabrication technologies in the lesson plan. It is enough to prepare just one lesson or something about one topic in the field of digital fabrication, and you start to find the edges for all the other lessons in the digital fabrication laboratory. It was a very important step for me, because by entering the Fab Lab and taking advantage of such opportunities, I find something in any lesson that can be prepared in the Fab Lab and make the lesson more effective. The challenge is that you can’t just walk into the fab lab with your students whenever you want, because you need to prepare, and one class period is too short to introduce and integrate students into digital production. Reflection on the personal learning experience.* The first time I started using the Fab Lab, I was tasked with creating a cell model. At first, I had no idea how to begin or what to do. Everything felt complicated and overwhelming. However, as I gradually began to understand and experiment with digital fabrication tools, the process transformed. What once seemed daunting became fascinating and beautiful. This experience taught me that within each of us lies a small, untapped potential—a point of curiosity and courage. We just need to dare to explore it. For me, discovering that point marked the beginning of a remarkable journey—a thread of endless learning and growth in the world of digital fabrication.

For more details on the lesson plan and the design, visit the full documentation here: Understanding the Respiratory System.

https://www.scopesdf.org/scopesdf_lesson/understanding-the-respiratory-system/