BACKGROUND I've been using the Glowforge extensively since the day it arrived in the spring of 2018. For both student projects and personal projects, this laser cutter has produced incredible work. Before the Glowforge, I used a Full Spectrum Hobby Laser, similar in capacity and feature set, but a machine that required an external water... Continue Reading →
This has been a whirlwind Labor Day weekend. Not just because I have been printing and resin casting nonstop to get the Pocket Document Camera ready for our students and teachers, but because the conversation regarding it just blew up on Twitter, in a great way. What an amazing, thoughtful, kind, and collaborative world we... Continue Reading →
I initially wrote about the mint box miniature landscapes project in February of 2019. In that post, I provided instructions on how to create your own project using an empty mint box, layers of laser cut designs, and a simple LED circuit. I shared a few examples of the project that had been created up... Continue Reading →
In prior posts, I have shared our experiences around the WNS Passion Project, the annual 8th-grade capstone that asks students to take on a project that addresses a local or community issue with a foundation in one of the 17 United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (See 1 , 2). The project is an opportunity... Continue Reading →
I've been fascinated by those flame simulating LED bulbs ever since they came to market. You know the ones. They look somewhat like an ordinary bulb when not plugged in, albeit a bit oblong and cylindrical, but a bulb nonetheless. When you plug them into a lamp, they glow and flicker like a flame, and... Continue Reading →
What a whirlwind this has been. Hopefully, it is a once in a life time experience, and not in a good way. We are all going through this. Everyone in the world. There aren't many events that one could describe as worldwide. I'd say this counts. Over the past couple of weeks here in Los... Continue Reading →
I have been working with resin for the past year as an avenue for artistic expression, experimenting with various ready-made silicone molds purchased online and at craft stores like Joann Fabrics or Michael's. Epoxy A and B resin is fun and easy to work with, can be mixed with colorful acrylic inks and mica powder,... Continue Reading →
As I've watched school play productions over the years, I have often wondered about my connection to this craft as a maker. It seemed a perfect place to play a role, so to speak, but I have never been involved. It is usually the art department that does work in this area, or even some... Continue Reading →
I have always enjoyed the Adobe Suite for both vector and bitmap graphic design. And while I continue to use this professional software suite, it often does not fit a school's budget when trying to support a 1:1 laptop program. As such, I continue to explore less expensive (or free) programs that students can use.... Continue Reading →
Working with middle school students on cardboard prototypes presents a number of challenges. Students at this age have had varying levels of experience making proper and accurate measurement, using tools effectively for cutting and marking, working with glue, and understanding design to a level that is up to the task of creating a three-dimensional prototype... Continue Reading →
For the Love of Learning 