Learning Objectives
Students will learn how to create their own stickers. From making an image in the computer and cutting out using a vinyl cutter.
Learning objectives: Learn how to make the image using image software and cutting it in a vinyl cutter. Basic level knowledge that can later on be transfer to bigger ideas and also textile vinyl for fabric designs.
B&T dimensions and types covered
Dimensions
- Dimension 3: Interest in new technology: By making a vector file from an image and then being able to cut it out into a sticker the students explore new technologies possibly sparking new interstate and possibilities
- Dimension 7: Practical Orientation: This activity focuses on visual work in a computer and then ending up with a sticker. Giving a feeling of completion similar to a hands-on learning activity.
Types
- Creative makers: Through a practical task the learner can ignite their creative side, and develop more ideas.
- Social Implementer: Connect with reality
- Doer: Actively make a ticker
- Explorers: Ignite their curiosity to explore more possibilities
Grade Level
- Intermediate school (3/4–5/6) from 8 to 12 years old. Group of 5 students
- Middle school / junior high school (grades 5/6/7–8/9) from 11 to 15 years old. Group of 8 students
- High school / senior high school (grades 9/10–12) from 15 to 17/18 years old. Group of 10 students
- 18 years+. Group of 14 students
Subjects
Technology: Computer software knowledge to prepare file for vinyl cutter
Art: working an image in a computer software
Mathematics: Measuring and classifying materials based on conductivity.
Materials
- Vinyl cutting machine
- Computer with software (for example Inkscape)
- Paper, if students want to draw out their ideas
- Rulers and markers
- Tweezers
Duration
About 2 hours
Lesson Plan
Introduction (10 min)
- Welcome students and explain the objective of the lesson.
- Ask everyone to open up a computer
- Show examples of stickers to show what they will be aiming for in the end.
- Emphasising it will be their idea they make in the end.
Step-by-step development
Designing (30 min.)
- Students open up the computers and either make their own text (here is a good time to talk about copyright material)
- Provide students with information on how to navigate inside the design program.
- Make sure they have the cutting lines and measurement correct
- Proseed to make a pdf document
- Move to Vinyl cutter
Cutting (20 minutes)
- Select your vinyl material
- Learning opportunity here to learn how the vinyl cutter works
- Demonstrate the proper and safe use of the vinyl cutting machine.
- Use the vinyl cutting machine to cut out the designs
Finishing Touches (30 minutes)
- Show the student how to remove the excess vinyl material using tweezers or other useful tools the lab has.
- Show the student how to put transfer tape on
- Explain how they transfer the sticker on a surface when they come home
Wrap-up & reflection
Review and Showcase (15 minutes)
- Have students share their finished stickers with the group.
- Discuss the process and any challenges faced.
- Encourage students to think of other ways to use the stickers creatively and also the possibility of making design out of textile vinyl.
Cleanup (10 minutes)
- Ensure all materials and tools are properly cleaned and stored.
- Make sure the workspace is tidy.
Extension activities
This activity can be a great start start to spark interest in vinyl cutting. Next steps would be to design their own image in a computer software or to draw it on paper and transfer over to the computer.
Moving the designs to textile vinyl can also be an interesting evolution progress.
