CAD Design and Laser Cutter

Hillside Avenue School and Orange Avenue School teachers meld creativity with technology in pursuit of cutting edge 21st century learning.

A student watching the laser cutter.
  • A student watching the laser cutter.
  • Two students working together at a laptop.
  • A student removing her board game pieces from the laser cutter.
  • Two students, one of which is showing her laptop to others.

At Cranford’s middle schools, the applied technology electives have been student favorites for years. In particular, exploring Computer Aided Design (CAD) and additive manufacturing have stimulated creativity and inspiration towards engineering, manufacturing, and creative pursuits. Middle school teachers Rebecca Rivera and Kristen Girone saw an opportunity to evolve student passion through exploring design and technology through a laser cutter. A grant from CFEE allowed Rivera and Girone to purchase Glowforge laser cutting and engraving machines to bring CAD and laser cutting to Cranford’s middle schools.

“This project is one that could inspire students to further explore the world of manufacturing in STEAM, help them to make connections between what they are learning in school and the world around them, and will also provide them with opportunities to research future career and educational experiences.” -Rivera

Rivera and Giron have spent years enhancing the STEAM labs at OAS and HAS, and adding the laser cutter is a natural extension of their robust curriculum. Laser cutting in particular provides the opportunity to learn another facet of the manufacturing process and putting ideas into tangible reality. The projects challenge students to problem solve, work collaboratively, and develop skills in fabrication technologies. The laser cutter, in particular, provides an open-ended skill set students can apply to diverse applied technologies.

If there is one thing the laser cutter has made clear, it is how hands-on engagement leads to student excitement and passion for learning. As 8th grade student Camerson says, there is a significant impact when you can hold the “outcome of your work…in your hands.” 8th grade student Vincent comments on the “freedom” that comes with laser cutting design. Rivera sees this firsthand, noting “the impact on student learning is the excitement, and the focus… They come in and they want to be doing these projects. They are invested in these projects.”