Fab Learning Academy

# Week 2.

# Curriculum alignment. Introduction to CAD.

# Pre-watching material

# Summary and core material

# Discussion topic in groups

  • Aligning and integration of Digital Fabrication in the curriculum. Possible Challenges
  • Review of initial ideas for the field activity.

# Assignment

  1. This time you have two different options. In both of them we recommend using cardboard as material:
    1. Option 1:
      • Create a press-fit build kit using the laser cutter. You need to create at least two different shapes in your kit.
      • Your kit should have at least 5 pieces that can interlock.
      • Build something with your kit and snap a photo.
      • You can have only two shapes, but if you would like to explore more options, you can consider having 3 or 4 different shapes in your kit.
        Press fit
    2. Option 2:
      • 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.
  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.
  3. Answer the following reflection questions:
    • 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?
    • Have you ever built an education portfolio? Why or why not? What could be the possible advantages?
    • 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?

# Tasks in the Fab Lab

  1. Learn how a 3D shape can be created with 2D design software and a laser cutter (e.g. using Tinkercad)
  2. Explore different ways to connect laser cut materials to form 3D shapes: joints and hinges

# Additional material

# Education standards

# Online tools and resources

# Tools to create 3d shapes with laser cutters

# CAD resources

This section provides a curated set of resources where you can find 2D and 3D cad models that can be used for inspiration or taking some models that can be later modified.

# 2D Resources
  • Vecteezy (opens new window) - Offers free and premium vector art, illustrations, and graphic design elements suitable for creating educational posters, handouts, and visuals.
  • SVGRepo (opens new window) - A massive collection of SVG files, many of which are simple shapes and outlines perfect for laser cutting. The educational section includes icons and diagrams that can be used directly.
  • Ponoko (opens new window) - Offers a library of free, laser-ready designs in DXF and SVG formats. These include fun projects like puzzles, educational aids, and practical templates ready for cutting.
  • Thingiverse (opens new window) - Though primarily a 3D model platform, Thingiverse has a dedicated section for laser-cutting designs, including educational projects and puzzles. Files are usually ready for vector-based editing software.
# 3D Resources
  • Thingiverse (opens new window) - A massive repository of free 3D models, great for makers and 3D printing enthusiasts.
  • Sketchfab (opens new window) - An online platform for publishing, sharing, and discovering 3D content. It offers both free and paid models, with a focus on community-generated designs.
  • Tinkercad (opens new window) - A user-friendly online platform for creating 3D designs. It includes a gallery of user-generated models that can be freely accessed and modified. Ideal for beginners.
  • NASA 3D Resources (opens new window) - Offers a collection of 3D models related to space exploration, including spacecraft and planetary bodies, which can be used in science education.

# Technical guides and tutorials

# CAD Tools

# Tutorials on 3D design

# Creating 3D objects with laser cutter

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