Fab Lab Activity Plan: The Press Fit Pocket Game

Design and build 3D game using 2D pieces!

1: Stuff you need BEFORE the lesson:

1 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 house.

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 a Press Fit

Show Laser Cutter Rules and Safety Video.

Explain press fit. Show how 2 flat pieces of cardboard can be fit together to make a 3D object.

Ask the kids what the difference between 2D and 3D is.

3: Focus of the Lesson:

The focus of this lesson is building a 3D object using exact measurements on the computer.

4: Teaching:

1: Have everyone design a press fit corner: 2 pieces of cardboard that will press fit together.

2: As people successfully create a press fit corner, ask them how they would use this same process to build a basketball hoop or ping pong table.

3: Have people who are finished with the press fit corner go on and design a 3D press fit game.

5: Wrap up:

1: Make sure everyone has cleaned up their area. Programs saved and closed, scrap cardboard thrown away.

2: Circle up: Ask various people questions: What is Press Fit? What do people use CAD for? What is the difference between 2D and 3D? What do you do to stay safe in the Fab Lab?

If everyone finishes early, have additional discussion – get feedback. What can be improved?

Activity Sheet - Click image for full size