As a mom of college students, I love visiting my kids on campus. There’s nothing better than getting to spend time with them in the spaces they love. My two engineering majors spend a lot of time in their campus machine shops where they’re carving wooden bowls out of blocks of wood and turning metal blanks into pens. Seeing the transformative role of using laser cutters in education makes me wish kids had access to these tools earlier.
4 Benefits of Using Laser Cutters in Education
As a former middle school computer science and engineer teacher, I recognize the many benefits of using laser cutters in education and wish my students had access to one when I was teaching.
Laser cutting machines are the best teaching tools because they provide practical STEM skills through creativity that brings an idea to life.Â
What is a Laser Cutter?
A laser cutter can transform designs and ideas into real works by laser cutting and engraving materials. It is a type of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine that uses a focused laser beam to cut and etch materials like wood, plastic, metal, and fabric.
Laser cutters use software that translates graphics and designs created on the computer into cutting paths for the laser’s beam. The beam automatically moves across the material, creating a cut by burning through the material.
Importance of Using Laser Cutters in Education
Laser cutters can empower students through hands-on-learning while inspiring future entrepreneurs. Here’s are some of the other benefits of using laser cutters in education. Â
Inspire Creativity
There’s nothing better than having an idea and seeing it come to life and that’s what a laser cutter can do! There are no shortage of  laser cutter projects for schools that can empower students to create. Some examples include:
- Scientific models- Create detailed models like cell structures and molecular diagrams
- Technology projects- Build prototypes for robots and electronics
- Engineering design- Craft structural models of bridges and buildings
- Art and design- Engrave art, custom jewelery, and more
- Math- Produce geometric shapes, function graphs, and puzzles
- Interdisciplinary learning- Cross curricular lessons across subjects can lead to functional projects like solar cars and smart home models.
Customized and personal projects can inspire learning, teach important skills, and provide a huge self-confidence boost.
Teach STEM Skills Through Hands-On Learning
When students are motivated, they’re more excited to learn. Laser cutters serve as a unified solution for teaching STEM, arts, and vocational education because they can turn abstract concepts into hands-on creations. Using laser cutters in education in middle and high school teaches critical thinking skills through interdisciplinary learning and can reignite a love of STEM through hands-on instruction.
According to xTool, a leading manufacturer of laser cutters and engravers, these tools can enhance STEM knowledge by teaching students how to measure items, create designs on the computer, understand the coordinate system, and more. Students learn the science behind the state-of-the-art technology, such as CO2 laser, diode laser, etc. They become proficient programmers as they operate software that controls the laser and learn cause and effect while witnessing how the laser reacts with various materials.
Learn Technical Skills
Gone are the days when 3D printers were revolutionary. These days lasers beat 3D printers because hours of 3D printing with instant laser precision allow for students to finish projects in a single class.
Using laser cutters in education teaches technical skills that beneficial to many kinds of careers. The automotive, construction, electronics, medical equipment, military, aerospace, and metalworking industries use laser cutters because of the high precision these machines can deliver.
Operators of that laser cutters are skilled machinists who use a variety of skills such as: Â
- Choosing the right material to laser cut
- Understanding file format types for a laser cutter
- Designing the graphic
- Transferring the design file
- Setting up the laser cutter
- Beginning and monitoring the process
- Unloading the laser cutter
- Machine safety. xTool’s UL-Certified protection lets students create freely while teachers teach fearlessly. A Fire Safety Set, Air Purifier, and Laser Safety Goggles helps create a worry-free classroom environment.
Experience with a laser cutter provides experience and technical skills for careers like:
- Woodworking- Create intricate designs and custom furniture
- Manufacturing- Manufacture precise parts and custom tools
- Graphic Design- Design custom signs and promotional items.​
- Jewelry Making- Fabricate intricate jewelry designs and metal engraving
- Fashion- Engrave fabrics and create custom apparel
- Culinary Arts- Personalize kitchen tools and food presentation
- Architecture- Construct detailed models and decorative elements
Employers recognize the time, effort, and knowledge involved in becoming proficient in using laser cutters. Getting started using laser cutters in education turns into having a highly sought after skill in the job world!
Foster School Spirit and Entrepreneurship
With a laser cutter, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can make! Having a laser cutter at school not only enhances personalized learning but is a great way to support school spirit and foster entrepreneurial skills.
Students can apply their knowledge of using the laser cutter to creating:
- School décor and merch- Show school spirit with custom signs and banners for events and classrooms.​ Selling custom-branded items to raise funds.​
- Event items- ​Produce custom trophies and plaques for school events.
- Products for student businesses- Support young entrepreneurs in creating and selling custom products like jewelry, ornaments, notebooks, tumblers, and keychains
Hone Soft Skills
When teachers use laser cutters in their instruction, students work together. Without realizing it, they’re honing their soft skills, or people skills. The ability to develop self-discipline, active listening, teamwork, leadership, innovation, conflict management, problem-solving skills, cooperation, participation, and more are important life skills.
Having the ability to effectively interact and communicate with others and navigate social situations are in high demand. Recruiters are always on the lookout for them while hiring new candidates for a job.Â
Laser Cutter Resources for Teachers
Teachers wanting to integrate laser cutters in their classroom will find a lot of free resources to support instruction. xTool is a best-selling brand for digital fabrication tools for education and that supports educators through tailored resources including:
- XTool Education Stem Class Center features standards aligned lessons and projects for grades 3-12. Curriculum is free to download allows for impactful STEM and STEAM instruction. Check out the 26 Best Laser Cutter Projects for Schools and their lesson on making a PCB board for a digital piano!
- Ready to use projects from Atomm provides templates that can be easily customized by students
- Professional development like webinars, workshops, and local events are designed to increase expertise. These events are hosted by xTool and xTool Ambassadors who facilitate hands-on experiences with the full range of xTool machines.
- The xTool Education Official Group is Facebook community of educators that supports each other through collaboration on projects, problem solving, and resource sharing.
xTool can be found in 200,000+ schools worldwide such as MIT, Los Angeles Unified School District, Pennsylvania State University, Case Western Reserve University, Gilbert Public Schools District, Southern Utah University, Rutgers University, and more. Proven in top institutions, xLab empowers the next generation of makers. For more information about xTool and using laser cutters in education, visit their website.
xTool provided a F1 Ultra Educational Bundle for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post and some images are courtesy of xTool.
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