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3. Pedagogical theories and socio-emotional learning

This week I worked on lasercuter

Summary

The task was to design and cut with the laser cutter an object that can be used in my classroom. After some thought I chose to do the Spirograph. I believe it might be suitable for my autistic students to to experiment with

My second outcom

Safety rules when using a Laser Cutter

These are the rules in Fab Lab Vestmananeyjar

  • MDF contains various undesirable substances for health, so we avoid using it.
  • Never leave the laser cutter when it is in use. Watch the cut and be careful not to catch fire in the part being laser cut.
  • Do not use PVC plastic or nylon because then toxic fumes will come that harm people and laser cutters.
  • Do not use objects that reflect the laser beam back (e.g. mirrors or metal)
  • When the laser cutter has finished its work, wait for at least 30 seconds while air is absorbed from the engine.

How to use a Laser Cutter

To make the gears in Inkskape: Go to Extensions tab, then go to Render and then Gears. Adjust your gear’s parameters in the pop-up window, and click “Apply” when done.

Reflections

  1. Educational Activities Using Laser Cutting Activity Description:

  2. Designing geometric puzzles for a math lesson. Students create shapes like triangles and hexagons, cut from materials using a laser cutter, and engrave clues on them.

  3. Learning Outcomes: Understand geometric concepts. Develop problem-solving and spatial reasoning. Learn basic digital fabrication skills.

  4. Reflecting on Lesson Preparation

  5. Key Considerations in Lesson Planning:
  6. Objectives: What students should learn.
  7. Engagement: Activities must be interactive and fun.
  8. Inclusivity: Adapt tasks for different abilities.

  9. Time: Fit activities within available time.

  10. Critical Aspects with Digital Fabrication: Teach tool/software basics. Ensure safety when using equipment. Provide access for all students. Align the use of tools with learning goals.

  11. Socio-Emotional Learning and Soft Skills Integration of SEL:

  12. Focus on teamwork, communication, and empathy. For example, group projects that require students to share ideas and solve problems together.

  13. Perspective on SEL: I now see SEL as essential for student growth. It builds confidence, adaptability, and teamwork. I plan to add more reflection and collaboration to future lessons.

Done with the help of chatgpt.com

Other project ideas

If you need ideas for projects, you can find plenty of them online, for example on Fab Lab Ísland’s pinterest page

Fab Lab Ísland