3-5, 6-8, 9-12
66 minutes
Arithmetic Design & Technology Engineering General
NGSS Science & Engineering Practices
Reflection Active listening
In this activity, students work collaboratively to design and print storage containers that help concession stands use their space more efficiently in order to prioritize organization and stock rotation. The focus is on a concession stand or a fundraiser but the organizational fun doesn't have to stop there! Students can use these designs to help organize other spaces in the school, like lockers, the school store, offices, or even theater arts and music spaces.
Theme
Thematic Questions
Standards:
Large Pantry Dispenser |Vertical Granola Bar Dispenser| Hearty 3D Pen Holder
Get Ready:
Production Time:
Assemble
Section 1 – Plan:
Does our design ensure freshness with regular rotation?
Does our design make the item easy to inventory while also creating easy access during the event?
Is our design the best way to display the item for sale?
How would it be different if…?
What would change if…?
What other way could we…?
Give students time to revise and incorporate peer feedback into their designs.
Using a third-party design software such as Inkscape, students will create their customized design for their consumable item. Remind them that their measurements will be important here as they may have to adjust the design for their specific item. Encourage them to think about what parts and features they may need to adjust in their design.
Have students provide a list of proofgrade materials they would like to use for their finalized design.
Section 2 - Customize and Create:
Have students...
Open the Glowforge app and upload the design files they created. Remember file type is important: use SVG or PDF for cutting and engraving, or JPG or PNG for engraving only.
Students can then add their customizations to the design in the Glowforge app. To create brand customizations, students can use the Import tool in the Glowforge app to add logos, mascots, or labels to their designs. They can also use the Text tool or even pull in custom created designs using the Trace tool.
Test print their customized designs to ensure that measurements are exact. If creating prototypes prior to final prints, consider using cardboard. Remember that if the design uses joinery such as slots or finger joints, these may need to be adjusted to suit the prototyping materials. When choosing test materials, make sure to use materials that are laser compatible. You can learn more about what materials are compatible with Glowforge here.
Assemble and test the design for fit and functionality. Encourage students to iterate and revise their designs based on the test print. Students may find flaws in their designs during this process and can make notes and record changes to their design drawings as necessary.
Pair students with a partner or small group for feedback sessions. Have teams meet for feedback sessions on each other’s designs. Discuss changes that could improve the custom design.
Have students synthesize this feedback and make the needed changes to their designs in the Glowforge app.
Print the finalized design in the appropriate material.
Assemble their printed designs.
Section 3 - Use:
Ask students to...
Fill their dispenser with a product to test ease of use.
Deliver the organizational items to the concession stand or an event organizer.
Gather data and feedback on their custom organizational solutions. Create a very simple feedback form that asks concession stand attendants about the utilization of the customized dispenser and what other items may need creative solutions. Consider using a digital form to collate the data and feedback.
Reflection Questions:
Help students consider...
Pro Tips:
Reimagine:
Remix:
Rubric:
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