1. Week 01

The main task of this week is to create a 3D object with the laser cutter.Cardboard is a great material for initial prototypes,because it is easy to cut, and environmentally friendly. *Design

I designed the basic shapes of atoms hydrogen, oxygen, sodium, chlorine in Corel draw. Each atom was represented as a circle with small slots (press-fit joints) allowing easy connection. I made sure all pieces had correctly sized interlocking slots to fit snugly together using cardboard. *Laser Cutting process

I set up the laser cutter by adjusting the focus, power, and speed suitable for cardboard, than I uploaded the design file into the laser cutter software. I performed a test cut to check fitting and dimensions. After successful testing, I laser-cut the full set of pieces.

3D models with laser cutter

water molecule The water molecule had one oxygen atom connected to two hydrogen atoms.

NaCl molecule The NaCl molecule model showed sodium and chlorine atoms arranged to represent their ionic bond.

The models were assembled without glue, relying only on press-fit connections.

Photo with me

*How your press-fit can be utilized in education? How other teachers could use it?

My press-fit kit, featuring models of a water molecule and an NaCl molecule, can be a hands-on tool for teaching molecular structures in chemistry classes. Teachers can use it to help students visualize and understand molecular bonding, atomic composition, and the spatial arrangement of atoms. This tactile approach supports kinesthetic learning, making complex concepts more accessible for students. Other teachers can adapt the kit to different topics by creating additional molecular models or building structures related to their curriculum.

*What has been your experience using Project Based Learning / Problem based learning in the past? What were the main challenges? How DF can support Project Based Learning / Problem Based learning?

In my experience, PBL/PBL approaches have significantly engaged students by providing context and relevance to what they are learning. However, one of the main challenges has been balancing structure with the freedom for students to explore creatively. Additionally, managing resources and ensuring each student understands the project’s technical skills can be difficult. Digital fabrication supports PBL by offering tools for students to bring abstract concepts into physical forms, thereby enhancing understanding through creation. DF also promotes collaboration, as students often work together on DF tasks, learning problem-solving and iterative design.

*When organizing DF activities with kids, What are the aspects that you think should be prepared beforehand? What aspects can be improvised?

Beforehand, I believe it’s essential to prepare clear instructions, design templates, and examples of the final project to guide students effectively. Ensuring all materials, tools, and safety measures are ready is crucial to a smooth experience. Aspects that can be improvised include adjustments to the design or adapting the activity to the student’s interest and engagement levels. Allowing room for exploration or modifications in the design can foster creativity, which is a key part of learning in DF activities.