Blog Entry #9 - Laser Cutter & Learning
My school has a makerspace filled with innovative technology like 3D printers, robotics kits and more. One of the technologies that is foreign to me is a laser cutter. Obviously, I know that this technology uses a laser to cut materials into shapes, designs, etc. Brian Obudho with Craftcloud defines a laser cutter as a “fabrication process that uses a thin, focused, laser beam to cut and etch materials into custom designs, patterns, and shapes as specified by a designer” (Obudho, 2019, para. 2). It is a technology that I regularly see my students using and enjoying in their option courses, so I wondered how I could integrate it into my courses? As a result, in my blog post today I will be exploring the question:
How can a laser cutter be used by students to enhance their learning?
The Trotec website states that laser cutters can be used to create scale models in areas such as model making, design or fashion (Trotec Laser, n.d., para. 1). “Laser cutter projects in schools convey the working methods of digital manufacturing safely and quickly” (Trotec Laser, n.d., para. 2). Essentially, students build a design digitally and then use the laser cutter to create the shapes, designs, etc. that they require. The final step is that students will need to build their model using the shapes or designs that the laser cut for them. This technology builds upon the 1880’s Manual Arts Reform as it encourages students to learn through experiences that work with their hands to build or create.
So, how could laser cutters be used meaningfully in the classroom? A few ideas came to mind that I have detailed below:
Science
In Grade 7 Science in Alberta, students learn about Structures and Forces. Using the laser cutter, students could design a structure and then experiment with its strength using various forces. For example, students could test their structures strength in windy conditions, cold conditions, etc.
Math
Alberta students in Grade 8 learn surface area, volume, etc. of 3D shapes. Students could design various 3D shapes using the laser cutter and then calculate the surface area, volume, etc. of these shapes. As an added challenge, students could stack their 3D shapes on top of each other and calculate how the surface area, volume, etc. changes.
Social Studies
Students could select a famous building from around the world and build this monument using the laser cutter. In addition, students could recreate an artifact from a culture, event, etc. that they are researching. Using the laser cutter to print these items would give students the ability to experience them firsthand.
Have you ever used a laser cutter in your classroom? I’m interested to know what has worked well and failed in your classroom while using this technology?
Resources
Obudho, B. (2019, August 31). What is a laser cutter? – simply explained. All3DP. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://all3dp.com/2/what-is-a-laser-cutter-simply-explained/
Trotec Laser. (n.d.). Laser cutter in education and schools. Trotec Laser GmbH. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://www.troteclaser.com/en-ca/laser-applications/education-and-schools
ReplyDeleteHi Megan,
I’ll admit to a bit of envy when reading about all the technology that your school has access to. I agree with all of the possible uses you mentioned for a laser cutter in your classroom but I continuously wondered throughout why your school has so much more technology than mine. Is there more funding for technology in Alberta compared to BC? Do you work in a private school? Or do you work in a school in a wealthy neighbourhood? I know in my own district all schools are supposed to receive the same funding for technology. This sounds great in theory but it is often not a reality. I worked in a school a few years ago where a single parent donated enough to buy every student in the school their own device. The parent council raised approximately 20 times each year compared to my current school. This creates very different opportunities and learning experiences. Have you experienced schools with different levels of access to technology? Is this type of difference fair? I would love to hear your thoughts. Great work on your blog.
Jonny
Hi Megan,,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your ideas for incorporating a laser cutter into your class. It's really cool that the students at your school have access to such technology. It is such a different experience that what I'm having, as I am at a school with limited technology and my blog about how I can be innovative with a lack of technology. I really liked your suggestions for how you can integrate the laser cutter into your own lessons. The idea for Grade 8 3D is one that stuck out to me. I teach grade 6 and most years calculating surface area is a concept students struggle with. I think having the opportunity to use a 3D printer to design their own shapes would certainly help to reinforce the concept.