Week 1

For this project, I had two iterations of designed laser-cut press-fit build kits using a combination of squares and circles cut from cardboard for the first and arcs and number signs for the second. The pieces were designed with interlocking slots to allow students to create various structures without glue or fasteners (though that later proved not to be the case). However, the biggest issue I encountered was that I initially made the slits too large, causing the pieces to fit loosely rather than snugly. After adjusting the slot sizes and re-cutting, I was able to improve the overall stability of the builds. These kinds of projects encourages hands-on exploration of geometry and engineering concepts while providing a fun and interactive way to engage with digital fabrication.

Materials

• Inkscape
• Cardboard
• Laser cutter
• Glue

Process

1. Plan the Design Sketch a rough idea of the shape you want — in this case, a globe-like structure made from connected arcs.

2. Create the Design in Inkscape Draw multiple arc shapes. Arrange the arcs to curve naturally and leave a gap at the ends so that the connecting piece will fit accordingly. Design pound-shaped connectors (#) at points where you intend the arcs should join.

3. Prepare for Laser Cutting Save and export your Inkscape design in a an SVG format. Send the file to the laser cutter to cut the pieces out of cardboard.

4. Assemble the Structure Start fitting the arcs together using the pound symbol connectors. Carefully press the pieces into each other. (If they are loose, you might need to adjust or glue.)

5. Reinforce with Glue

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

Press-fit kits can be a great tool in education because they encourage hands-on learning and experimentation. In my case, creating the kit helped me explore shapes and problem-solve through trial and error—especially since I’m a visual learner and had to physically test the pieces to understand factors like material thickness and geometry. Other teachers could use press-fit projects to teach disciplines like engineering, art, or even storytelling by having students build models. The activity also supports collaboration and creative thinking, making it useful across multiple subjects and grade levels.

2. 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?

My experience with PBL has been very hands-on and I’ve found that these projects may initially start off as challenging or overwhelming due to unfamiliarity with the equipment or programs but they will eventually keep students engaged, as they take ownership of their learning by working on real-world applications. Completing a project gives students a sense of pride as they see their ideas come to life through their own effort and creativity.

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

When organizing digital fabrication activities with kids, it’s important to have the materials fully prepared ahead of time—this includes having all the tools and equipment ready, the digital files loaded or accessible (primarily because of time constraints in my case), and clear instructions to introduce the activity with a concise explanation or quick demo at the beginning (5-10 minutes) that helps set the tone for what a student should expect. On the other hand, aspects like student design choices and creative problem-solving can be improvised. This allows for the class session to be structured and remain open for creative exploration.

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