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Week 3

Assignments

Task 1:

Create a laser-cut and rastered “Welcome ” sign featuring a dolphin graphic, suitable for classroom or school display.

Objective: To use this sign for the new students in 2026. it will be displayed on the door to welcome them.

Process

Before Designing

I have considered the following:

•   Material: plywood 
•   Size: e.g. 300 mm × 150 mm
•   Style: nature-themed
•   Elements:
•   “Welcome” text
•  Dolphin graphic (engraved)
•   shape cut-out (oval, rectangle, etc.)

Set Up Your Inkscape File

  1. Open Inkscape → File → Document Properties
  2. Set units to mm and page size to your material dimensions (e.g. 300 × 150 mm)
  3. Turn on View → Page Grid and Snap to objects for alignment.

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Add the Text

  1. Use the Text Tool (T) → type “Welcome”
  2. Choose a bold font (Brush Script MT)—bold fonts as to raster better.
  3. Convert text to paths: • Select → Path → Object to Path • This makes the text cuttable by the laser.

⸻

Add the Design

  1. Find a simple dolphin picture (convert to vector using the feature, ‘Trace to
    Bitmaps’)
  2. Resize and place it on your sign.
  3. To raster, set the dolphin lines to fill (black) and no stroke.
  4. Using Pen Tool, draw a black line below to in portray water as it is nature-
    themed.

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Add the Cut Outline

  1. Draw a rectangle around your design using the Rectangle or Ellipse Tool.
  2. Set stroke color to black
  3. Create two holes for hanging

⸻

Check Layers and Colors

  1. Create two layers:
  2. Layer 1: Raster (text, penguin in black)
  3. Layer 2: Cut (outline in black)
  4. Lock each layer when done.

⸻

Prepare for Laser Cutter

  1. Save your file as SVG.
  2. Upload the file to Craftlaser Mk2 code generator online as I am using Lionsforge laser printer.
  3. Download G-code
  4. Check and send to print

Challenges faced

Preparing the design for laser printing was not easy, as the drawing required careful adjustments to ensure accurate results. The lines of the dolphin had to be properly connected so that only the intended parts were rastered; otherwise, the entire body of the dolphin might be rastered unintentionally. Letters such as “e” and “o” also required extra attention, as their inner spaces needed to be preserved. This involved ungrouping, combining, or breaking apart text elements to create the correct cut-out inlets and avoid unwanted rastering. Numerous corrections and fine-tuning were necessary to achieve a clean and precise design. Additionally, I learned that different laser printers and software may have varying procedures, such as specific color codes, line thickness settings, or file formats. Therefore, it is important to understand the particular requirements of each machine before finalizing a file for laser cutting or engraving.

Tools used

  • Inkscape – for digital design and layout
  • Lionsforge Laser Printer – for laser print
  • Display Surface (door) – for classroom

Reflection

Educational activities in which I could integrate the laser cutter at some stage of the activity.

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#Activity 1: Design and Make a Name

Subject Area: General

Description: Students design their own personalised name using simple shapes and text in Inkscape. They can decorate it with icons that represent their interests (e.g., a book, ball, or animal). The designs are then cut and engraved using the laser cutter on wood or acrylic.

Integration of Laser Cutter: The laser cutter is used to engrave the students’ names and designs and cut the outline drawn using Pencil tool. (Primary students may not handle printing temselves)

Learning Objectives: • Use digital tools (Inkscape) to create simple vector-based designs. • Understand the difference between engraving and cutting in laser technology. • Apply design thinking: planning, creating, and evaluating a finished product. • Foster creativity and self-expression through personalised design. • Learn about safety and care when working with technology.

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Activity 2: Create a Puzzle of Singapore Landmarks

Subject Area: Social Studies / Art

Description: Students research and draw simple outlines of famous Singapore landmarks (e.g., Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay). They design a puzzle board in Inkscape with these landmarks as pieces. The puzzle is cut from wood or cardboard using the laser cutter.

Integration of Laser Cutter: The laser cutter is used to precisely cut out the puzzle pieces and engrave details of the landmarks.

Learning Objectives: • Identify and describe local landmarks and their importance. • Use technology tools to create a tangible learning aid. • Apply spatial reasoning and fine motor skills through puzzle assembly. • Encourage collaboration and curiosity about Singapore’s culture and geography.

When you prepare a lesson activity what are the things that you take into consideration? What are the critical aspects? What additional aspects do you need to take into consideration if you utilize digital fabrication processes?

General considerations when preparing a lesson activity

When planning any lesson activity, I will consider:

a. Learning Objectives • What exactly should students know or be able to do at the end? • Objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). → Example: Students will be able to compare and order decimals up to two decimal places using a number line.

b. Curriculum Alignment • How the activity connects to syllabus outcomes or standards. • Ensures that creativity still supports formal learning goals.

c. Learner Readiness and Differentiation • Prior knowledge, abilities, and interests. • Scaffolds or extensions for students with varying skill levels.

d. Teaching and Learning Strategies • Type of activity (hands-on, inquiry-based, collaborative, guided discovery). • Whether the approach fosters 21st Century Competencies skills eg critical thinking, creativity, or problem-solving and enhances socio emotional learning.

e. Assessment • How you will check for understanding — formative (during the lesson) and summative (after). → e.g., exit tickets, observations, completed designs, or reflection sheets.

f. Materials and Time Management • Availability of tools, materials, and sufficient time for completion. • Realistic scheduling (especially if digital fabrication is involved).

g. Safety and Classroom Management • Procedures for using materials or equipment safely. • Grouping strategies, clear task roles, and contingency plans.

h. Technology skills to support teaching procedures, activities or assesssment → e.g., classpoint, google slides, nearpod or padlet ⸻

Critical aspects of lesson design

Lesson quality depends on:

1.  Clarity of learning purpose — every task must directly support learning goals.
2.  Active student engagement — learning by doing, not just watching.
3.  Progression and challenge — tasks should build on prior knowledge and push students just beyond their comfort zone.
4.  Reflection and feedback — structured opportunities for students to think about what and how they learned.
5.  Inclusivity — ensuring accessibility for all learners (e.g., visual supports, clear instructions).

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Additional aspects when using digital fabrication (e.g., laser cutter, 3D printer, vinyl cutter)

If digital fabrication is used, I will only consider: the following as students may not have the permission to use laser cutter or vinyl cutter:

•   Basic training in Inkscape, Tinkercad, or other CAD software.
•   Embed digital literacy outcomes (e.g., file naming, saving formats).

  Design Thinking or Maker Process
•   Encourage ideation → prototyping → testing → reflection.
•   Promote a mindset of iteration and improvement.

Collaboration and Reflection
•   Students can work in teams to design and assemble, then discuss how digital fabrication helped them visualize or solve problems.

⸻ In summary:

When designing lessons that involve digital fabrication, the key is to ensure that technology enhances—not overshadows—the learning goals.

Reflection on Socio-Emotional Learning in Activity Design

When preparing classroom activities, I intentionally integrate Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) and soft skills in line with Singapore’s Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) framework. One example is the Dinosaur Project, where students worked in self-chosen groups to research different dinosaurs, focusing on their characteristics, diet, distribution, and fun facts. They then collaborated to design and build a dinosaur model. They also needed to present their research and models of dinosaur through gallery walk. They gave positive feedback on each other’s presentation.

This project provided multiple opportunities for students to develop and apply SEL competencies: • Self-awareness: Students identified their own strengths—such as drawing, researching, or constructing—and took on roles that suited their abilities. • Social awareness and relationship management: Working in teams required them to communicate respectfully, understand others’ perspectives, and maintain positive relationships even when opinions differed. • Self-management: Students had to exercise patience, manage their emotions, and stay focused when facing challenges, such as disagreements or difficulties with materials. • Responsible decision-making: They made collective decisions on how to design their dinosaur model, taking into account feasibility, creativity, and fairness.

Through this hands-on project, students were not only learning about dinosaurs but also building essential life skills such as collaboration, empathy, perseverance, and adaptability. These experiences nurtured their ability to relate well to others and manage challenges constructively.

I believe socio-emotional learning and soft skills play an important part in a child’s learning journey. Embedding SEL intentionally through projects and group work helps students grow holistically—academically, emotionally, and socially—preparing them to face real-world challenges with confidence and resilience. After the lecture, it is great that we are moving in the same direction on how the child can practise these skills and enhance their learning experiences. I suppose digital fabrication can be integrated to support lesson activities.