Digital MakerSpace

 Digital MakerSpace 

Starting Point

Our MakerSpace journey began with nearly a blank slate, options of projects we've previously explored in the classroom and I-Create lab made available. My partners and I were inspired by one of the projects created by the laser engraver. Using a sheet of acrylic plastic, different tessellation patterns were created with small shapes made by the engraving software. We decided to follow this similar concept for our lesson, providing the opportunity to share an understanding of tessellations with the 4th graders.  

Tools, Materials, & Resources

Tools: 
Laser Engraver 
Materials: 
Acrylic plastic, Adobe editor
Resources: 
Thingiverse.com &

Design Goals

Compatibility:
After downloading Escher files from Thingiverse, transferring the image was simple. 
Technology: 
Use of editing software to shape and scale images, ability to forward prints to the laser engraver.
Safety:
With use of a technical machine like the engraver, comes with risks. However, there are plenty of precautions in place to avoid any injury.
 

Structure of Design Task

Ideas:
   Preliminary Design:


Details:                       Final Design:               Refinements:      
 

Artifact(s):

Prototyping, Failure, & Refinement

Initially, our prototyping was smooth sailing. We were able to find an Escher print for the turtle tessellation and then converted it to the correct format to edit in the computers software. After rescaling the outlines to be larger within proportion, we were able to send the file to the engraver and began our project. However, about halfway through engraving, the Escher machine beeped and said our project was done. 
We had to then enlist help from the amazing workers in the MakerSpace lab, but we were all stumped. We tried converting the file into different formats and sent the files to the machine at least 10 times before we decided to seek even more help from someone who has more experience with the machine. After emailing him, we came back on Wednesday to see if we could tackle the project again. Except when we walked in the engraving room, our acrylic was gone. To our surprise, the workers had actually beat us to finishing the engraving and cut. 

Learner Inquiry

What are tessellations? (Collection of shapes which leave no gaps or overlay)
Where can you find them in nature? or everyday life? (Beehives, tile, flooring)
What is a vertex? (Point where all corners meet) 

Value Beyond School

There are so many different types of patterns in everyday life, which we might brush by without another thought. However, once understanding the essence of tessellations, you'll discover them all around you. Tessellations aren't just any pattern though, yet the same shape or polygon that fits together fully covering the surface without gaps. 

 

Maker Space reflection: https://idet4300.blogspot.com/2021/10/digital-makerspace-reflection.html 

Comments

  1. IDET 4300 Caitlyn’s BlogNovember 8, 2021 at 12:39 PM

    Hello,

    Your blog looks lovely. It is very organized and neat. The picture usage is great! I would recommend adding some ISTE standards in here though. Some good ones that may fit are: 2d, 3a, and 3c.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aleksandra JohnsonNovember 8, 2021 at 1:04 PM

    I love how organized your blog post is. As Caitlyn mentioned, I would add a tab and include ISTE standards. Since the activity blog is finished you could break up the standards to match the planning process and the interaction process.

    ReplyDelete

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