Module 2. Week 1.

Student-Centered Learning Approaches

Summary and core material

• Presentation (opens new window)
• Video Recording (opens new window)
• Discord link (opens new window)
• Online platform editor (opens new window)

Assignment

The main task of this week is to create a 3D object with the laser cutter. As material we strongly recommend using cardboard. Cardboard is a great material for initial prototypes.

You have two options:

• Option 1:
  • Create a press-fit build kit using the laser cutter
  • Your kit should have at least 10 pieces that can interlock
  • Build something with your kit and snap a photo
  • You can have only one shape, but if you would like to explore more the options, you can consider having 3 or 4 different shapes in your kit.

• Option 2:
  • Use any of the tools presented in the master class, 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.

In both options is highly recommended that you use cardboard as material.

In addition you should answer the following reflection questions:

1. How your press-fit can be utilized in education? How other teachers could use it?

2. What has been your experience using Project Based Learning / Problem based learning in the past? What were the main challenges? How DF can support Project Based Learning / Problem Based learning?

3. When organizing DF activities with kids, What are the aspects that you think should be prepared beforehand? What aspects can be improvised?

Tasks in the Fab Lab

1. Introduction to 3D design for laser cutting. Creating simple 3D shapes using a CAD tool.
2. Explore different alternatives to create 3D parts with the laser cutter: tabs, layers...

Asynchronous content

Intro to Materials. Cardboard

Will be added in the future.

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.

• CAD Library (opens new window). Peer reviewed DF files and learning resources for use in the classroom
• SCOPESdf.org (opens new window) -opensource lesson repository for df in education (mostly df WITH kids)

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

• Use Fusion 360 to design and slice a 3D shape for laser-cutting (opens new window) - Learn Fusion 360: Slicing Organic Forms for Laser Cutting

Creating 3D objects with laser cutter

• Laser-cut Wafer Construction Kit Overview (opens new window) - Cardboard Construction for Kids - Laser Cut Wafers
• 10 Laser-cut Projects for Fun (opens new window) - 10 projects for the laser cutter
• The Trick to Making Laser-Cut Boxes (opens new window) - The Trick With Laser Cut Box Joints
• Design a lamp to be laser-cut using Tinkercad (opens new window) This tutorial presents how to use Tinkercad to design a floor lamp that can be laser cut and assembly easily. Tutorial made by Iván Sánchez for Fab Lab Oulu.
• Design a small storage cabinet for electronics components to be laser-cut using Tinkercad This tutorial presents how to use Tinkercad to design a storage cabinet with small drawers, that you can use for instance to store electronic components. Tutorial made by Iván Sánchez for Fab Lab Oulu.
  • Part 1: Creating main structure (opens new window)
  • Part 2: Reinforcing shelves (opens new window)
  • Part 3: Creating Drawers (opens new window)

Additional and support content

Project Based and Problem Based Learning

• Udacity: Problem-Based Learning Video Overview (opens new window) - Problem Based Learning
• Udacity: Project-Based Learning Overview (opens new window) - Project Based Learning
• • Buck Institute (opens new window) - What is Project-Based Learning (PBL)
• Project-Based Learning Overview (opens new window) - Overview of Project-Based Learning
• Project-Based Learning Examples (opens new window) - Teacher Guide and Examples for PBL
• Project vs. PBL (opens new window) - Differences Between Projects and Project-Based Learning
• Problem-Based Learning Overview Slideshow (opens new window) - Slideshow on Problem-Based Learning