Week 2

Assignments

• [X] Task 1: Design and cut a vinyl sticker.
• [X] Task 2: Document in learning diary and post at least 2 photos
• [X] Task 3: Review student agreement in About Me page and add name at the bottom of the page.
• [X] Task 4: Answer the 3 reflection questions

Tasks in the Fab Lab

Together with my colleague, we visited the Digital Fabrication Space at Singapore Science Centre. The local instructor gave us a brief intrduction about the space and the various equipment as well as some safety rules. Then he guided us through the Cricut Design Space and demostrated how the electronic cutting machine works. Though his guidence, we learned to make a personalised name pouch using the print and cut vinyl cutter and the heat press machine.

Process

Project : Make name vinyl stickers for my water bottle and laptop cover.

Electronic cutting machine model : Siser Juliet

Materials : Scissors, ruler, vinyl sticker, transfer sticker, weeding tool set.

Steps:

1) Open the software Leonardo Design Studio and start a new page.

2) Use the text tool to type names and change the font type.

3) Measure and cut a piece of vinyl and mount onto the cutting matt.

4) Test the Speed and Force setting for kiss cut on the machine.

5) From the software, send the design for cutting using the tested settings in step 4.

6) After cutting completed, weed out the unwanted parts using a pair of tweezers.

7) Measure and cut the transfer sticker and paste on the name vinyl.

8) Rub the stickers with a scraper. Peel off and check to ensure the name vinyl sticks on the transfer sticker.

9) Position over the water bottle / laptop cover and rub the stickers with a scraper.

10) Carefully peel the transfer sticker and check to ensure the name vinyl stays on the bottle/laptop cover.

Projects completed:

Challenges and solutions

This was my first experience creating a name vinyl sticker using the Siser Juliet cutting machine. Previously, I had used it mainly to make mirror-cote stickers for students, so working with vinyl was a new learning experience for me.

Setting up the Siser Juliet was relatively smooth as I was already familiar with both the software and hardware. The main challenge came in determining the correct kiss-cut settings for vinyl. After several rounds of trial and error, I successfully identified the most suitable settings for a clean and precise cut.

Another challenge I encountered was the process of weeding and transferring the vinyl. I realised that vinyl stickers require more patience and precision during weeding. Transferring the name vinyl onto the laptop cover proved to be the most difficult step, as the vinyl did not adhere easily. I had to apply repeated pressure and rubbing to ensure it stuck properly.

Through this experience, I learnt that the choice of materials plays a crucial role depending on the intended surface. Moving forward, I plan to explore and research the different types of vinyl and transfer tapes suitable for various surfaces to improve the quality and ease of future projects.

Reflection

Opportunties to integrate digital cutting technology in the classroom

This week’s experience with both the heat pressed vinyl project at the DFS Science Centre and using the schools’ electronic cutter opened up many possibilities for integrating digital fabrication into student learning. I can see how this technology can be meaningfully woven into classroom activities where students design and produce their own name stickers, decals, or labels for projects. Such experiences not only allow them to personalize their work but also give them a sense of ownership and pride in what they create.

Integrating vinyl cutting into Art, Design & Technology, or Makerspace lessons can help students experience the full design cycle — from ideation and digital design to fabrication and reflection. They can collaborate to create class signage, event decorations, or motivational stickers, encouraging teamwork and creativity. The process also helps students connect digital and physical making, giving them authentic exposure to real-world applications of design and production technology.

Applying to my teaching / context:

From a teaching perspective, it provides opportunities to design lessons that promote hands-on, experiential learning. Students can apply concepts like measurement, spatial reasoning, and iteration in a meaningful context. As they troubleshoot issues such as cutting depth or material transfer, they learn perseverance and problem-solving. This experience not only nurtures creativity but also develops essential 21st-century competencies such as collaboration, digital literacy, and design thinking — skills that will support them in future learning and innovation.

Activity : Design a Vinyl Wall Sticker for Our New Makerspace

Our school has adopted a simplified design thinking framework known as FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share), to help students understand the different stages of the design process and apply this knowledge meaningfully in their Applied Learning Programme (ALP) projects.

In this activity, Grade 4 students will apply the FIDS design thinking process to design and create vinyl wall stickers that will decorate the newly renovated Makerspace. Their creations can include motivational quotes, icons, or signage that reflect the Maker Mindset — creativity, perseverance, and collaboration.

Through this activity, students will learn how design can communicate ideas and contribute to building a positive and inspiring learning environment.

Learning Objectives :

Students will be able to:

• Apply the FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) design thinking process to design and create meaningful vinyl stickers for the Makerspace.

• Use digital design tools and the vinyl cutter to produce and apply their designs safely and effectively.

• Present and reflect on how their creations communicate messages that inspire and represent the Maker Mindset.

Implementation Steps:

(1) FEEL : Begin with a Makerspace walkabout to help students observe the newly renovated space. Discuss: “How do we want people to feel when they enter our Makerspace?”. Encourage students to think about emotions such as curiosity, excitement, or confidence that the space should evoke. In small groups, students list possible words, phrases, or quotes that could inspire Makerspace users.

(2) IMAGINE : Students brainstorm design ideas that capture their chosen message. They sketch 2–3 design drafts using paper and markers, experimenting with fonts, shapes, and symbols. Peer feedback is used to refine and select the most effective design. Teacher introduces basic functions of the Siser Juliet vinyl cutter software (Leonardo Design Studio) for translating sketches into digital form.

(3) DO : Students create their digital design in the software and prepare it for cutting. With guidance, they load the vinyl, set cutting parameters, and cut out their design using the Siser Juliet machine. Students practice weeding (removing excess vinyl) and use transfer tape to carefully apply their design onto the designated wall or surface in the Makerspace. Throughout the process, they troubleshoot and adjust as needed — learning through iteration.

(4) SHARE : Each group presents their final vinyl sticker to the class, explaining the message behind their design and how it reflects the Maker Mindset. As a class, they conduct a short gallery walk to appreciate one another’s work.

Digital Fabrication Continuum

As an educator, I feel more comfortable with the stages of Digital Fabrication for Kids and Digital Fabrication with Kids. I prefer these stages because they allow for a balanced approach where I can prepare or guide students in the fabrication process, ensuring alignment with learning goals while still fostering student engagement and agency. I appreciate the opportunity to support students in developing their skills and confidence gradually, without the immediate complexity and autonomy required in fully student-led projects. Additionally, the challenge with Digital Fabrication by Kids is that school policies often restrict student access to handle equipment like laser cutters and 3D printers, especially in elementary schools, which makes full student autonomy difficult to implement safely and effectively.

Tools

• Siser Juliet high definition cutter
• Siser Leonardo Design Studio

References or tutorials followed : - How to use Siser EasyPSV Adhesive Sticker Vinly video on Youtube