Laser Cutting & Engraving
This collection of student work highlights the amazing projects created using the Laser for Cutting & Engraving. From intricate designs to practical solutions, this technology has enabled our students to bring their ideas to life in a unique and exciting way. Not only does laser cutting and engraving technology provide a new avenue for artistic expression, it also helps develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail. Our students have taken advantage of this cutting-edge tool to create projects that demonstrate their passion and creativity, while also honing their technical abilities.
Charged with Creativity: Lasercut Phone Holder Project
Eighth-grade students have impressively designed and created their own personal phone holders, capable of holding phones both horizontally and vertically during charging. Using AutoCAD for design and a laser cutter for precise construction, these young innovators combined technology and creativity to transform 5mm birch plywood into functional art. Their projects, personalized with unique engravings and intricate details, demonstrate not only their burgeoning digital literacy and design skills but also their ability to adapt traditional concepts into modern, technologically advanced creations.
Initial Ingenuity:
Laser-Cut Letterforms
This Creative Arts project for Grade 9, students embarked on an innovative journey to design and laser-cut abstract monograms from their initials, blending digital design with physical artistry. Using Google Slides for design and RetinaEngrave for precise laser cutting on birch plywood, they transformed their ideas into three-dimensional art pieces, further enhanced with personal touches of painting on canvas. This multifaceted project not only showcased the successful integration of digital technology into traditional art forms but also fostered significant skill development in digital design, laser cutting, and 3D composition, making it a resounding success in interactive and hands-on learning.
Sugar Skull Memorials: Honoring the Lives of "Ghost Boys
Eighth-grade students engaged in an immersive and dynamic STEAM project that combined the rich cultural traditions of the Day of the Dead with their creativity and technical skills. With guidance from their English and art teachers, the students designed and laser cut intricate sugar skulls that were painted to create stunning memorials. This project not only fostered an appreciation for cultural traditions but also encouraged students to honor those who have passed. Through this project, the students developed their problem-solving, design, and artistic skills.
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Resilient Response: Designing Disaster Relief Vehicles
In a study of corporate responses to natural disasters, 10th-grade students analyzed programs like Tide's "Loads of Hope". With guidance from their teacher, students selected a company to inspire their own design response to a natural disaster using AutoCAD and Revit to create floor plans and renderings. After designing their response vehicle, they brought it to life by creating a scale model out of foam using a laser cutter. This project allowed students to develop their skills in design, technology, and creative problem-solving, while also inspiring them to make a positive impact in the world.
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​Sport Shot Engraving: Celebrating Athletic Achievements
High school students got the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities by capturing their favorite sports moments and transforming them into stunning laser-engraved masterpieces. This project not only allowed students to showcase their technical skills but also fostered a sense of pride in their athletic achievements. Through this project, the students developed their photoshop skills, artistic expression, and creativity.
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Memorial Meadows:
Remembering the Unseen
The 9th-grade students embarked on an inspiring project where they delved into the history of a lesser-known genocide and used their research to bring awareness to its events through a creative and educational memorial park design. They utilized their skills in AutoCAD and the laser cutter to bring their design to life, presenting their work through a visually stunning Google Slides presentation. This project showcased their mastery of technology and design and their commitment to promoting social justice and student development.
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The Art-Tech Connection: A Multi-Layer Stereoscopic 3D Wall Decor
In this exciting STEAM project, high school students explored the intersection of technology and art by using AutoCAD and a laser cutter to create a stunning Multi-Layer Stereoscopic 3D Decor Wooden Wall Art. Through this project, students enhanced their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. The end result was not only a beautiful piece of art, but also a testament to the students' creativity and technical skills.
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The Exploding Puzzle Project
High school students used their technical skills to import 3D models into AutoCAD, sliced and separated them, and then exploded them into 2D shapes. Using laser cutting technology, they transformed these 2D shapes into wooden pieces to create unique and challenging 3D puzzles. Through this project, students not only enhanced their engineering and design skills, but also strengthened their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
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A Garden of Gratitude: Eagle Scout Project
As part of their Eagle Scout project, a student created a stunning rock garden in recognition of the dedication and courage displayed by the Chester Academy Faculty and Staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The student worked with the assistant librarian to design and create a plaque, which was laser engraved on a marble tile and mounted in the center of the garden. With a custom concrete base and careful attention to detail, this project represents a beautiful and meaningful addition to the school grounds.
Project Overview
This section contains descriptions of the projects to be completed by my students, providing a glimpse into the kinds of assignments we work on together.
Sap and Sizzle: Laser Engraving & Maple Syrup
In collaboration with ecology teacher, ninth grade school students explored the science behind maple syrup production while getting in touch with nature. Using maple trees on the school grounds, students created their own maple syrup and designed a unique logo and brand in their technology class. The finished product was laser engraved on a glass bottle, providing students with a tangible reminder of their hard work and growth. Through this project, the students developed their creativity, problem-solving, and scientific skills.
Family Recipe Masterpiece:
Laser Engraved Cutting Boards
In this exciting project, middle school students were able to showcase their creativity and knowledge of STEAM skills by designing and creating unique wooden cutting boards. They also got the opportunity to honor their family heritage and culinary traditions by laser engraving their favorite family recipe with ingredients and instructions on the back of each board. Through this project, students were able to apply their knowledge of design and laser technology, while developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. This project was not only a fun and engaging learning experience, but also helped students connect with their family heritage and develop an appreciation for culinary arts.
The Fable Frenzy: A Play Production Project
Seventh-grade students embarked on a thrilling journey that saw them write their own short plays based on classic fables. The project was a creative collaboration with the librarian and allowed students to showcase their artistic and technical skills. The students designed the sets, selected period costumes, and utilized cutting-edge technology, including AutoCAD and laser cutting. Through this project, the students developed their writing, presentation, and design skills, fostering their creativity and boosting their confidence.
Food Truck Frenzy: 3D Modeling, Vinyl Wrapping, and Culinary Creativity
In this exciting project, students joined forces with students from the Advanced Food class and the Family and Consumer Science teacher to create a unique 3D, scaled model of a food truck using the latest technology, including AutoCAD and laser cutters. Once the foamboard model was assembled, students used their creative skills to design a vinyl layout that perfectly captured their brand's identity. To add to the fun, the Advance Foods students then cooked up some delicious plates and served up a storm from their awesome new food truck. This project not only honed students' technical skills but also provided a real-life opportunity to showcase their creativity and teamwork.
The Art-Tech Connection: A Multi-Layer Stereoscopic 3D Wall Decor
High school students explored the intersection of technology and art by using AutoCAD and a laser cutter to create a stunning Multi-Layer Stereoscopic 3D Decor Wooden Wall Art. Through this project, students enhanced their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. The end result was not only a beautiful piece of art, but also a testament to the students' creativity and technical skills.
Bookish Treasures: Art Deco Bookmarks from The Great Gatsby
Students get to showcase their creativity and knowledge of literature by designing and laser engraving bookmarks inspired by a character, object, or location in The Great Gatsby. By incorporating the art deco style, students not only enhanced their STEAM skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the novel's themes and symbols. This project fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and artistic expression, making it a fun and engaging learning experience for all involved.
Wild Tables:
Designs Inspired by Nature
The 10th-grade students engaged in an exciting STEAM project where they designed a side table based on an animal. The project challenged students to apply their creativity and knowledge of animal anatomy to create a functional and unique base for a glass top. Using AutoCAD, students created front and side views of an animal and constructed a foam model to bring their design to life. Through this project, students developed their problem-solving and critical thinking skills while also enhancing their design and engineering abilities.
Tech Savvy:
Create Your Own Phone Case
Ninth grade students get the opportunity to showcase their creativity by designing and customizing their own phone cases using cutting-edge laser technology. Through this project, students are able to apply their knowledge of design and technology to create unique and functional products that reflect their personal style. This project not only encourages students to think creatively, but also helps them develop valuable skills in design, technology, and problem-solving.
Laser-Cut Luxuries:
Wooden Jewelry Edition
High school students get the opportunity to showcase their creativity and enhance their STEAM skills by designing and creating unique wooden jewelry using laser cutting and engraving technology. Through this project, students can apply their understanding of design principles and work with materials to create beautiful and intricate pieces. This project not only helps students develop their artistic and technical skills, but also teaches them the importance of design thinking and problem-solving.
Personalized Paperweights: Engrave Marble Keepsakes
In this project, a student designed and created a unique paperweight out of marble. Using RetinaEngrave, the student engraved a design with their name, photo, and favorite quote onto the surface of the marble using a laser engraver. Some students opted to paint the engraved area, while others left it natural, and all paperweights were sealed and finished with a felt bottom. Through this project, the student developed their skills in design, technology, and craftsmanship while creating a personalized and meaningful piece of functional art.
Laser-Cut Culinary Creations: Experiment with Food and Tech
In this STEAM project, students collaborated with the family and consumer science teacher to experiment with laser cutting designs into various types of food using RetinaEngrave. From text and symbols to images and geometric designs, students practiced on everything from pies, cakes, and cookies to apples, pumpkins, and even grilled cheese sandwiches. Through this project, students developed their skills in design, technology, and culinary arts, while exploring the creative and unique possibilities of combining food and technology.