Learning Objectives
- Enhance storytelling skills by creating a puppet theater play.
- Learn basic design and laser cutting techniques.
- Foster collaboration and creativity among students.
- Connect with National reading plan
B&T dimensions and types covered
Dimensions
- Appreciation and Respect
- Social Responsibility
- Technology can be learned
- Practical Orientation
Types
- Creative Maker – Emphasize that the quizz boards are made from recycled material; Working on issues related to sustainability
- Innovator – Using laser cutter;
- Social Implementer- Connect with reality
- Doer – Assemble the quiz; make the questionnaires by hand
- Explorer – Make different questionnaires with different techniques
Grade Level
Primary school to 9th grade
Subjects
- Language
- Technology
- Arts
- History
- Philosophy
Materials
- Text to work with
- Laser cutting Theater file
- Felt-tip pens
- Coloured pencils
- Laser cutter
- Cardstock (e.g. Cereal boxes)
- Paper
- Pencils
- Computers with design software (e.g. Inkscape)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Craft sticks
- Corks
For the teachers or for the older students
- Reused Cardboard
- Theatre laser cutting file A4
Duration
90 minutes
Lesson Plan
Introduction (10 minutes)
With this activity we want to introduce laser cutting into the classroom. Due to its versatility, a theater can be used to work with a variety of subjects. In this plan, we suggest using it in language subjects, as it is a resource for working on dramatic text, creative writing and interpreting books within the national reading plan of each country.
Make the connection between the subject the teacher wants to work on and the laser-cut theater the students will receive (8- 12 years) or laser-cut (13- 15 years).
Step-by-step development
- Make pairs of students
- If students are younger than 12 years old, give them the theater already laser cutted ( skip steps 3 and 4)
- Introduction to laser cutting – provide a brief overview of the laser cutter and safety procedures ( 10m)
- Download the theater file and laser cut it.
- Assemble and decorate the theater
- Work on the story to identify : who and where
- Draw the sceneries and characters by hand ( 8-12 years old)
- Digital design – guide students in transferring their character sketches to digital format using design software. Ensure they understand how to create vector files suitable for laser cutting. (13-15 years old)
- Laser cutting – demonstrate how to use the laser cutter. Allow each group to cut out their characters and props from cardstock.
- Have students attach their characters to craft sticks using glue.
- Rehearse the play to present to classmates or other classes.
Wrap-up & reflection
- Did you feel a difference in learning the subject when you used this resource? Was it easier? More interesting? More difficult?
- Did you enjoy using a laser cutter?
- Did you enjoy using a laser cutter? Does using this tool give you ideas for new activities?
- What other resources would you like to use in this subject?
Extension activities
- Make it Bigger – set up the shadow theater screen and light source; allow each group to rehearse their play, adjusting their puppets and movements as needed.
- Performance and Reflection – Each group performs their shadow play for the class. Encourage peer feedback focusing on storytelling, creativity and technical execution.
- Discuss the project as a class. What did they enjoy? What were the challenges? How did the technology enhance their storytelling?