<p>This is a fun, ready to use 11 lesson laser cutter project that I have successfully run with Yr8 students for a few years, but would be equally suitable for Yr9 or even adapted slightly to cater for KS4.<br /> It introduces students to Techsoft 2D Design and how to use the laser cutter. It also includes information on Memphis and students will need to study this movement so that they can use it as a source of inspiration. There is also some investigative work on plastics.<br /> As the work progresses there are a number of aspects that students can work on, so there is a certain amount of independence and self management - especially for the more able. I usually limit the number of colours students can use to a maximum of four, ( I may go to 5 with particularly competent students) and some students will only use two colours. I have used both Essex Grey Board and Foam Board for modeling and testing purposes and both have their merits. Depending on the quality of your laser cutter, the Foam Board may not be a viable option. Either way, modeling first helps students get to grips with iterative designing and they are able to test their 2D Design drawings as well as the designs and then modify their 2D Designs accordingly.<br /> This pack includes a full set of lesson PowerPoints for 11 lessons, with starters, plenaries, lesson objectives and Thinking School methodologies if your school is into that. There is a student workbook which I uploaded and got students to use electronically, but a few quick modifications ( deleting some instructions) and it could simply be printed out for students to use in hard format.<br /> I have left both the lessons and the workbooks as PowerPoints so you are able to make your own alterations.</p>

<p>This is a fully resourced 12 lesson Product Design project aimed at Yr9 students, but could be adapted for Yr8 or Yr10.<br /> It is a great, fun project which encourages students to take risks, try out possibilities - great for showing iterative design - and also develop patterns. It also introduces sustainability issues and allows students to experiment with making their own plastic using a heat press. Other elements can be incorporated into the plastic - metallic threads; sequins, glitter etc or if white bags are used it can be sublimation printed (hence the development of patterns).<br /> There is a full set of lesson PowerPoints and student work sheets which can be printed out and made into a booklet.<br /> I have found that layering the plastic squares 5 high makes for a good sheet of plastic which is still flexible and easy to trim and fold into a pouch. If you feel this is not quite thick enough, or you wish to add in additional elements simply add more layers and reheat.<br /> Make enough to enable students to cut an A4 size sheet of plastic which they can then fold into three. The top piece forms the flap and can be shaped. The bottom piece folds up over the center piece, I get students to blanket stitch down the sides (they should pierce the plastic first). Poppers can be added to close the flap, or students can make a Polymorph bead / toggle and create a loop to catch over it.<br /> This can be expanded out in many different directions or kept relatively straightforward dependent on the time you have available.<br /> The resources are adaptable so you can tailor them to your own needs.</p>

<p>This is a great single lesson starter that introduces Yr7 to some of the tools and equipment in the workshop. They each have to carry out a series of tasks using the pillar drill, fretsaw, disc / belt sander and hand tools after watching a teacher demonstration.<br /> This is their first hands on session which some are not phased by at all whilst others are very wary initially, but are fine by the end of the lesson. It is a great lesson for breaking down the ice with practical work.<br /> I have also used it as a form of baseline testing.</p>