K-12
Easy
15 Minutes
Arithmetic Design & Technology Engineering General
1.6 Creative Communicator
Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats, and digital media appropriate to their goals.
Reflection Active listening
Theme
Thematic Questions
Standards:
Creative Communicator – Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats, and digital media appropriate to their goals.
1x Medium Maple Plywood
Alternative: 1x Medium Acrylic multiple colors available
Alternative: 1x Medium Draftboard for painting
Wood Glue, or double sided tape
Optional: Materials to use for drawing (i.e., markers, pens, colored pencils)
Optional: Materials to customize and texturize puzzle pieces (i.e., self-stick felt, sandpaper, or various textural fabrics, paint, spray adhesive)
Get Ready:
Read through the activity details to familiarize yourself with the steps to complete the activity. Gather all of the materials needed to print, assemble, and customize the puzzles. If you plan to use the Mindful Patterns for Peace Challenge Cards print copies to accompany each puzzle. If customizing or texturizing the puzzles, collect these materials as well.
Production Time:
Section 1 – Create:
Have students...
Section 2 – Use:
Reflection Questions:
Help students consider...
Pro Tips:
Experiment with materials! Print puzzles in various color acrylics so you can mix and match the sets for more colorful puzzles. Paint the draftboard pieces to make them pop! Reuse cardboard from around the classroom! If you want a variety of materials in your puzzles, you can print a full puzzle from different materials, then mix and match the pieces after printing.
If creating prototypes prior to doing final prints, use cardboard for test prints.
Just remember that if their design uses joinery such as slots or finger joints, these may need to be adjusted to suit their 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.
Textured surfaces can add an additional sensory level to help alleviate anxiety and promote calm. Consider the print material options to add a layer of textural or visual sensibility to the activity. Experiment with different materials that you can add to the printed pieces. Rough up the pieces with sandpaper, add self-stick felt, or use spray adhesive to affix different grade sandpapers or textural fabrics to the pieces.
The beauty of a Glowforge is the ability to customize your designs. Have students personalize their puzzle in the Glowforge app before printing using the Trace Tool or importing images or icons into the design!
Reimagine:
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