Laser Cutting in First Grade

First graders are learning about empathy in their social studies curriculum. When they read they are able to make connections to characters or events in their own personal lives. The classroom teachers wanted to help their students to make an abstract concept a little more concrete with a personalized mirror and window.

Students drew their name and decorated a frame that will go around a mirror. It was scanned to the computer to be cut and etched on the laser cutter.  They used Keynote to design curtains, window sills, or potted plants to enhance their window decor. Once complete, their designs were exported to the laser cutter. These pieces will be glued to their base board.

These are some completed base boards that students designed on paper and were scanned in to the laser cutter.

Students are using Keynote to design decorations that will be cut on the laser cutter and used to enhance their windows.