This hands-on course introduces middle school and high school students to the exciting world of laser cutting and digital fabrication. Students will learn how lasers can safely and precisely cut and engrave materials like wood, acrylic, and cardboard. Through guided projects, students explore basic design principles, measurement, and problem-solving while creating custom objects such as keychains, signs, puzzles, and small prototypes.

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The course emphasizes creativity, safety, and responsible tool use. Students will learn to use beginner-friendly design software to create vector-based designs, prepare files for laser cutting, and operate a laser cutter under close supervision. Along the way, they’ll connect concepts from math, engineering, and art, building confidence as makers and designers.

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By the end of the course, students will be able to design and produce simple laser-cut projects, understand how digital designs become physical objects, and explain safe and appropriate use of laser-cutting technology.

 

Key Skills Covered:

• Laser cutter safety and material awareness

• Basic CAD / vector design skills

• Measurement and precision

• Design thinking and iteration

• Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving