• Using the laser cutter and computer, I designed a detailed map of Michigan as a personal project to create something unique for my wall. I mapped out the state's borders, rivers, and cities, then transferred the design to the laser cutter to etch it onto wood. The result turned out exactly as I envisioned—intricate and eye-catching. Now it hangs in my home as both a reminder of the creative process and a cool, handmade piece of art. Every time I look at it, I'm reminded of the satisfaction of making something from scratch.

• During this process, I also learned how to use the laser cutter and how to design laser-cut ideas on Tinkercad. It was a fun learning curve—getting familiar with both the software and the machine itself. Tinker cad made it easy to bring my ideas to life with its simple interface, and figuring out the laser cutter's settings was an exciting challenge. Now, I feel much more confident in my ability to create and bring custom designs to life.

• The 7 standards of the class are Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator. My project ties to the concept of an empowered learner because I took the initiative to watch videos and research how to work with the laser cutter. Rather than relying solely on formal instruction, I actively sought out resources to teach myself the ins and outs of the machine. This self-directed approach helped me gain the skills I needed to bring my project to life, making the whole process more rewarding.

• A challenge I faced during this project was getting the cut to come out perfectly. The laser size had to be just right, and at first, I struggled with making precise adjustments. However, I overcame this by watching tutorial videos to better understand the settings and by asking for help when I needed it. With some trial and error, I was able to fine-tune the process, and in the end, the cut turned out exactly as I wanted. 

• If given the chance to do this again, I would definitely place a greater emphasis on the attention to detail. There were moments where I focused more on the bigger picture, and in doing so, overlooked the small but significant aspects that truly make a difference. Attention to detail isn't just about catching mistakes or fine-tuning minor elements—it’s about creating a more polished and thoughtful outcome overall. I would have made sure to slow down, double-check the little things, and ensure that everything was aligned with the bigger vision, all while maintaining a high level of precision in every part of the process. It’s those small adjustments and the care taken with the finer points that often lead to the most noticeable improvements.

• The reason why I would change it is because I want to add some elements that show the major roads, landmarks, and key features of the area. These details are crucial for providing a clearer, more informative picture of the layout and flow. By incorporating these lines, I can help the viewer or reader better understand the connections between different points and how they interact with one another. Whether it’s showing the main routes, highlighting important intersections, or indicating specific areas of interest, these details make a huge difference in giving context and enhancing the overall design. It’s not just about making things look better visually, but also about making sure the map, image, or project is functional and easy to navigate. These additions would provide much-needed clarity and guide the viewer through the experience more effectively. 

• Hastings High School Career and Technical Education Program offers Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, Marketing. My project ties into the Engineering Design CTE program at Hastings High School, which focuses on developing practical engineering skills. By aligning with this program, I aim to apply design thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills to create real-world solutions. The project reflects the hands-on approach of the CTE program, showing how engineering concepts can be used to solve problems and improve designs.

• My project connects directly to careers in engineering because it involves taking an original idea, developing it, and transforming that concept into a physical creation. This process is similar to how engineers work in the real world, where they start with a problem or need, brainstorm possible solutions, and then design and build a product or system to address it. In my case, I am responsible for the entire process—from the initial conceptualization to the final execution. This mirrors the multi-step approach engineers use to ensure their ideas are both functional and feasible. By working through challenges, making adjustments, and refining the design, I am gaining firsthand experience in problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical execution—skills that are crucial in any engineering career. Additionally, the project allows me to explore the creative side of engineering, where innovative thinking and hands-on creation come together to solve real-world issues.

                                                                                                        CREDIT: CHATGPT