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Week 6

Assignments

Task 1: Use any of the tools presented in the master class (see Tools to create 3D shapes with laser cutters below), and create a 3D object using any of the joint techniques presented: finger joints, stacking… You can use either a CAD tool to build your 3D object, or you can use any of the tools to build objects such as boxes.py. Put all the parts together, and snap a photo. If needed, don’t be afraid of using e.g. glue. Task 2: Show a picture of your creation in your learning diary. You can add a few pictures and a short explanation of the process if you like. Task 2:Answer the following reflection questions: 1. How can your press-fit / 3D object be used in education? How could other teachers use it? How could you integrate it into an activity that aligns with your curriculum or standards? 2. Have you ever built an education portfolio? Why or why not? What could be the possible advantages? 3. When you execute a learning activity, how do you evaluate its success? How do you keep track of possible modifications or improvements? Do you include them in your education portfolio or learning diary?

Process

Step 1 I wanted to create a press-fit box, inspired by the various projects already explored in our FabLab. Several teachers have experimented with press-fit boxes to make functional items, such as pencil holders and small storage containers. Building on those ideas, I decided to design my own press-fit project: a custom box specifically for holding sticky notes.

Step 2 I found a template for a sticky note box online and used it as inspiration to reconstruct my own version. Through this process, I learned several new Illustrator techniques related to creating press-fit designs—especially when it came to making the notches. This involved a lot of trial and error. I decided how many notches I wanted on each side of the box and created them by adding or subtracting smaller rectangles in precise positions to form clean, interlocking joints.

Once the box design was complete, I added an additional SVG file of a logo I had created to personalize the final product.

After finishing the design, I cut the box from thin cardboard using the laser cutter.

Step 3 I assembled by box, without any glue.

Observations 1. I expected that I would need to create multiple versions of the box, but surprisingly, the first draft worked quite well. My biggest concern was that the cardboard might not be strong enough to support the sticky notes. However, it held together better than I anticipated.

  1. Because my material was very thin, the pieces fit together easily. If I had used thicker material, I would have needed to adjust the size of the notches to ensure a proper press-fit.

Reflection

1. How can your press-fit / 3D object be used in education? How could other teachers use it? How could you integrate it into an activity that aligns with your curriculum or standards?

While my specific press-fit object may not have a dedicated educational purpose on its own, the skills and processes involved in creating it have strong applications in education. The project demonstrates key concepts such as the press-fit technique, precision measurement, and the transformation of 2D designs into functional 3D forms—skills that align well with design, technology, and STEM curricula.

Students can learn: 1. Press-fit construction principles—understanding friction-based joining and how to create strong structures without glue. 2. Material efficiency and sustainability—using press-fit reduces waste and encourages recyclable or reusable designs. 3. Accuracy and measurement—students see how small changes in tolerances affect the fit of parts. 4. Clean design and craftsmanship—the importance of precision, finishing, and iterative improvement. 5. 2D-to-3D thinking—designing flat components that become three-dimensional through assembly.

Teachers across multiple subject areas could integrate press-fit activities into their classrooms:

Design & Technology / Makerspace Teachers: Use press-fit projects to teach laser-cutting, CAD skills, tolerances, prototyping, and iterative design.

Math Teachers (Elementary–Middle School) Incorporate press-fit pieces to teach measurement, geometry, angles, scaling, and spatial reasoning. Students can calculate dimensions and test how small variations affect fit.

Science Teachers: Demonstrate engineering concepts such as structure, stability, forces, and material properties by having students build and test simple press-fit models.

Art Teachers: Explore patterns, shapes, and creative construction through press-fit sculptures.

In my design class, press-fit construction can support curriculum expectations in both sustainability and technical skill development:

Sustainability Connection

  • Students learn that press-fit techniques eliminate the need for glue or adhesives, making the model fully recyclable.
  • This supports lessons on eco-friendly design, material conservation, and responsible prototyping, which align with sustainability and environmental stewardship standards.

Technical Skill Development

  • Students use Adobe Illustrator to create precise 2D vector designs.
  • They learn how to prep files for the laser cutter, apply proper stroke settings, and test tolerances.

  • This allows me to assess their mastery of:

  • Digital design workflow

  • Understanding of vector paths
  • Safe and precise operation of fabrication tools
  • Iterative problem-solving and refinement

3. Have you ever built an education portfolio? Why or why not? What could be the possible advantages?

No, I had never needed to create an education portfolio in the past, soecifically for Design. However, when I began teaching in the social sciences, I decided to build one so I would be prepared when applying for jobs. Having a well-organized portfolio helped me present my teaching philosophy, examples of student work, lesson plans, and evidence of my effectiveness as an educator.

As a design teacher, creating and maintaining a portfolio would be valuable as well. Design education is highly visual and project-based, so a portfolio allows me to showcase:

  • Examples of my students’ design work
  • My own design projects and technical skills
  • Lesson plans that integrate digital tools and creative problem-solving
  • Evidence of my ability to teach software, fabrication tools, and design processes
  • Possible advantages of an education portfolio include:
  • Professional Presentation: It demonstrates your skills, teaching style, and accomplishments in a polished, organized way.
  • Job Readiness: It provides strong support during interviews or job applications, helping you stand out.
  • Reflective Practice: Building a portfolio encourages you to reflect on your strengths, growth, and areas for improvement.
  • Showcasing Creativity and Technical Skills: Especially in design, a portfolio highlights your ability to teach creative thinking, digital tools, and hands-on processes.
  • Documentation of Success: It provides tangible evidence of your impact on student learning.

5. When you execute a learning activity, how do you evaluate its success? How do you keep track of possible modifications or improvements? Do you include them in your education portfolio or learning diary?

When I carry out a learning activity, I evaluate its success by looking at several key factors. First, I examine whether students were able to meet the intended learning goals and demonstrate the expected understanding or skills. I also consider whether the activity was completed within a reasonable timeframe and whether the lesson flowed smoothly without major logistical issues. Student engagement is another important indicator—I pay attention to whether students enjoyed the activity, participated actively, and remained motivated throughout.

To track improvements, I usually take notes during or after the activity, documenting what went well and what could be enhanced for next time. These notes help me refine the project or assignment for the following year, making iterative improvements based on real classroom experiences.

I do not currently use an education portfolio or learning diary to store these reflections. Instead, I rely heavily on Google Classroom to organize all of my projects, assignments, and student work. Keeping everything in Google Classroom makes it easy to access past materials, review student outcomes, and update resources whenever I revise a lesson. This ongoing cycle of reflection and adjustment helps ensure that each activity becomes more effective and meaningful over time.

Tools

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Laser Cutter

Tutorial websites: https://community.glowforge.com/t/hinged-lid-box-svg-generator/121731