8p8 - GlowForge

Using Glowforge, I created a sign that displayed the phrase Hello World, I did this because I wanted to find out how to make a simple SVG to burn onto my board. My reason for doing this is because it would help me with other stuff such as being able to use the glow forge again for a more complex project. Also, I could use the knowledge from the project to help myself in a career.

During this process, I learned how to make an SVG file to use for laser cutting. Learning this lets me know more about what an SVG is and what I could possibly use it for. Also, learning SVG files let me be able to know how to run a laser cutter mor then I originally could, for example, when I started this project I was confused what to do; however, now I know how to make a laser cut. Overall, I think learning SVG's was a skill that would be useful for something else in the future.

Out of the 7 standards of the class are Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator. I think my project ties to Empowered Learner, The reason I think this is because this was my first time using Glowforge I had to do a variety of things to learn how to function the Glowforge. This includes having to research ways how to make an SVG for the laser cutter and then making the SVG for the laser cutter using a program like Canva. Overall I think my project is tied to Empowered Learner due to the fact of me troubleshooting methods for making an SVG.

A challenge I overcame on this project was figuring out what to do, my reason for having this challenge is because it was my first time using the laser cutter. I was able to overcome this by, doing a plethora of methods to learn this, this includes the following. First, one method I used was watching videos to figure out how to run the machine and how to make stuff for the cut to be made. Second, I asked Mr. Renner questions on where stuff is such as the boards. Finally, I tried out my own ways of doing stuff to see if that worked out in my favor. Overall, I feel that my methods helped me to overcome my issue.

Given a chance to do this again, I would change what I made. The reason why I would change it is because I now know how to run both the laser cutter and an SVG file. This helps me to now be able to do this project again without any problems such as wasting a day figuring out the machine. Also, I would be able to make a more complex design due to the fact that I now had the knowledge to start my cutting on day 1. Overall, I feel that doing this again would show an increase in quality.

The High School and Technical Education Program offers a lot of programs, including the following, Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, and Marketing. My project connects to the Construction Trades CTE program at Hastings High School. I feel that this is the case because I had to work with wood, and using wood is a part of Construction Trades. This means that I would be doing something similar to someone taking Construction Trades. Overall I feel my project was connected to Construction Trades due to all the attributes that are similar to what we would be doing in Construction Trades.

I feel that my project ties to a career as a Wood Designer, I think this because I used a machine to engrave a design onto a piece of wood. Doing so lets me be able to make designs for both selling and using in a huge project such as Woodworking; therefore, using the laser cutter lets me design and distribute as a career. Doing so lets me be able to make a profit off of the things I cut. Overall, I feel that my project ties to a Wood Designer.