Exploring Optics and Light through Woodworking, LaserCutting and History

A 6 week project based unit for 11th and 12th graders, where students build a diorama about renewable energy


Unit Overview

The Basics
Experiences:  Novice
Age Group:  12 - 15
Group Size:  15 - 20
Hours:  18 - 20 hrs

Key Words: solar energy, circuits, abstract art, soldiering, symbolic representation
Cost Per Student: 10.00 - 20.00 USD

Tools: glue guns, soldering equipment, drills, x-acto blades
Materials: paper, foam core, color pencils, glue ,motors, LED lights,  batteries
Learning Objectives
  • To introduce general knowledge regarding the law energy of conservation and explore current events involving renewable resources.
  • To have a basic working knowledge of a circuits and motors, how to convert electric energy into kinetic mechanical energy, and how to build circuits.
  • To gain skills including, soldering, building in 3D, abstraction, understanding spacial principles  such as positive and negative space, and public speaking
Suggested Steps
  1. Introduction to each other and the course activities
  2.  Refining Ideas Visually, 2D/3D Drawings 
  3.  Abstracting Final Drawings, Color, Shapes 
  4. Introduction: Cutting/Construction, Building the Box, Mounting Drawings to Foam Board 
  5. Cutting Shapes, Arranging Shapes in Space 
  6. Arranging Shapes in Space, Choosing Areas of Light & Movement 
  7. Introduction to Soldering & Circuits
  8. Circuit Construction & Soldering 
  9. Circuit Installation & Testing 
  10. Adding Text Description, Designing and Arranging Final Murals
  11. Final Installation, Demonstrations, Presentation Preparation
  12. Final Presentations