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Glowforge is a laser cutter and engraver that allows students to design and create precise projects using materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and cardboard. Using a web-based design platform, students can upload, create, and edit designs, then watch them come to life through cutting or engraving. Glowforge combines technology, engineering, and creativity to give students real-world design and manufacturing experiences.
Best for
Best for
Grades: 3-12
Subjects: All Subjects
What This Tool Helps You Do
What This Tool Helps You Do
Teach design, engineering, and fabrication skills
Introduce real-world manufacturing processes
Develop problem-solving and design-thinking skills
Reinforce measurement, precision, and geometry
Support creativity through project-based learning
Create student-designed products and prototypes
Integrate technology into hands-on learning
How to Use This Tool
How to Use This Tool
Open the Glowforge web app on a computer
Create or upload a design (SVG, PNG, JPG, etc.)
Adjust size, placement, and settings in the design space
Place material into the Glowforge machine
Set cut or engrave settings based on material
Start the job and monitor the process
Remove finished project and evaluate results
Classroom Ideas
Classroom Ideas
Create engraved signs or nameplates
Design and cut keychains or classroom items
Build 3D models or structures
Create classroom organization tools
Design custom learning manipulatives
Makerspace or STEAM lab projects
Student business or entrepreneurship projects
Reading
Reading
Create storyboards or scene designs
Engrave quotes or vocabulary words
Design book-themed projects
Create character tokens or props
Build visual representations of stories
Math
Math
Measure and scale designs
Explore geometry through shapes and patterns
Create fraction models or manipulatives
Design tessellations or geometric art
Reinforce precision and accuracy
Apply real-world math in design projects
SCience
SCience
Design and prototype solutions to problems
Build engineering models
Explore materials and structural strength
Create functional objects
Combine coding/design tools with fabrication
Develop entrepreneurship and product design skills
Materials Needed
Materials Needed
Glowforge machine
Computer with internet access
Glowforge web app
Materials (wood, acrylic, cardboard, leather, etc.)
Design files (SVG, PNG, JPG)
Safety supervision (adult monitoring required)
Ventilation system (as required by machine)
Helpful Tips
Helpful Tips
Start with simple designs before complex projects
Use pre-made templates for beginners
Always check material settings before cutting
Emphasize safety and supervision
Teach students to measure and plan before designing
Expect trial and error—adjust settings as needed
Organize materials for easy access
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