3D Design Maker Space Project Lesson Plan and Student Examples

These resources, from the Engaging Students From Classrooms and Camps to College and Advanced Technological Careers project, describe a 3D design project in which students learn laser cutting. Two resources are included: the Visual Art & Design Newsletter Spring 2025 and #3 Splat Collab. Visual art students from Northwestern Connecticut Community College visited the college's Makerspace and learned how to use the laser cutter to create 3D projects they designed. The newsletter includes pictures of the students next to their laser cut projects. The other document is a presentation that describes a 3D project. The presentation includes a step-by-step guide for completing the project. Also included are project objectives, assessment criteria, design principles and elements, a digital tools overview, and a list of assessable tasks. The tasks include Visual Research, Illustrator Tutorials, Illustrator Design, and Final Project Assembled.

The formal objectives of the project include:

• Employ plane to build a 3D volumetric form that expresses an abstract word. Visually describe one of the words using flat planes; a repetitive single shape but change scale, texture, weight, and orientation on xyz axis.
• 3D form must stand up on its own or have a thoroughly considered installation method.
• Explore abstraction of form (no representation).
• Learn the basics of Illustrator pen tool and laser cutting using campus MakerSpace.
• Work collaboratively to accomplish goals.