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 to use cardboard as material:
  2. Option 1:
* Create a press-fit build kit using the laser cutter. You need to create at least two different pieces. 
* 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 the options, you can consider having 3 or 4 different shapes in your kit. 
![Press fit](../../../img/module2/m2_w1_pressfit.png)
  1. 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 do not be afraid of using e.g glue.
  1. Show a picture of your creation in your learning diary. You can add few pictures and short explanation of the process if you desire.
  2. Answer the following reflection questions:
    • How your press-fit / 3D object can be utilized in education? How other teachers could use it? How could you integrate it in an activity that aligns with your curriculum / standard?
    • Have you ever built an education portfolio? Why/Why not? What could be the possible advantanges?
    • When you execute a learning activity how do you evaluate its success? How do you keep track of possible modifications/improvements? Do you include them in your education portfolio / learning diary?

# Tasks in the Fab Lab

  1. Introduction to 3D design for laser cutting. Creating simple 3D shapes using a CAD tool (e.g. using Tinkercad)
  2. Explore alternatives to create 3D parts with laser cutter: tabs, stacked layers, joint techniques... Use of different existing tools.

# 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

# Tutorials on 3D design

# Creating 3D objects with laser cutter

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