All grades  Project 4 weeks

"Glowforge Holiday Magic: DIY Ornaments"

Nathan V
Updated
3A-AP-18
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.5
CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B.5
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 4 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project empowers students to explore and express their identities and cultural understanding through art, while integrating technology and design skills in a meaningful way. By transforming hand-drawn designs into laser-engraved ornaments, students engage in a comprehensive learning journey that fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The project culminates in community events that not only showcase students' artistic achievements but also promote entrepreneurship and community engagement, making a tangible impact through fundraising efforts.

Learning goals

Students will explore self-expression and cultural identity through art by designing and creating laser-engraved ornaments. They will engage in the design process, from initial sketches to digital conversion, learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through collaboration and community engagement, students will develop entrepreneurship skills by planning and executing a fundraiser, enhancing their understanding of cultural diversity and empathy. They will document their learning journey, reflecting on their growth as creative contributors and engaged citizens.

Standards
  • [Computer Science Teachers Association] 3A-AP-18 - Create artifacts by using procedures within a program, combinations of data and procedures, or independent but interrelated programs.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.5 - Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide additional detail.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B.5 - Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay balls) and drawing shapes.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.
  • Creative Contributer - Interprets experiences, imagines and plays with new possibilities with curiosity, and creates approaches that are novel, useful, and valued by the world around them.
  • Effective Communicator - Engages diverse audiences respectfully by exchanging ideas and information responsibly, listening actively, speaking and writing clearly, and using print and digital media appropriately.
  • Engaged Citizen - Shows respect and empathy across differences, embraces diversity of opinion, seeks cultural understanding, participates in the democratic process to challenge the status quo, and makes a positive impact on their community and the world.

Products

Students will create a collection of laser-engraved holiday ornaments, each uniquely designed to reflect individual and group identities, incorporating cultural elements and personal creativity. Throughout the project, students will develop digital portfolios documenting their design process, including initial sketches, digital conversions, and final products. Additionally, students will produce a business plan and marketing materials for selling their ornaments, fostering entrepreneurship skills. As a culminating artifact, students will create a reflective journal or digital story capturing their learning journey and the impact of their work on the community.

Launch

Kick off the project with a "Design Your Identity" workshop where students create initial sketches of ornaments that represent their personal or cultural identities. Invite a local artist or designer to share insights on how art can convey stories and identities, inspiring students to think deeply about their own designs. Conclude the launch with a collaborative brainstorming session, encouraging students to share their ideas and receive feedback from peers, fostering a supportive and creative classroom environment.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Winter Wonderland Art Show' and a 'Holiday Makers Market' to showcase and sell their laser-engraved ornaments. During these events, students will display their original hand-drawn designs alongside the finished products, engaging with family, friends, and community members. They will share the stories behind their designs, fostering community connection and raising funds for a chosen cause. These exhibitions will highlight students' creativity, cultural understanding, and entrepreneurial skills, providing a platform for them to communicate their learning journey and impact on the community.