Design your own jigsaw puzzle using the tools in OpenOffice.org

1: Stuff you need BEFORE the lesson:

•      one computer per student
•      make sure every computer in the Fab Lab has OpenOffice.org Drawing and can send to the
•      laser cutter
•      make sure there is enough 1/8” plywood or cardboard for everyone to finish a puzzle
•      have a method of showing the Intro and Safety videos: Projector / TV / Computer

2: Opening Concepts:

•       show the Intro to the Fab Lab video. / Intro to activity.
•       explain what we will be doing today: Making Your Own animal shape Jigsaw Puzzle
•       show Laser Cutter Rules and Safety Video.

3: Focus of the Lesson:

•      The focus of this lesson is to be able to  make your own animal shape jigsaw puzzle using the tools provided in the program OpenOffice.org.  

4: Teaching:

•      Have students find an image of an animal on the internet (click here for some images) and open into OpenOffice.org Drawing.
•      Have the students trace over their image with the basic shape tools (rectangle, circle) and then merge the shapes (the image could be any  color).
•      With the pencil / free form line tool, draw lines to make it look like a puzzle.
•      Frabricate the puzzle, and cut it out with the laser cutter and put them together!

5: Wrap up:

•       Make sure everyone has cleaned up their area. Programs saved and closed, scrap cardboard thrown away.
•       Circle up: Ask various people questions:

      If everyone finishes early, have additional discussion – get feedback. What can be improved?What they liked and didnt like?

click image below for larger