I am partnered with the FABLAB (a local maker space) to use their CNC Machine to cut out my student's arcade cabinet designs in order to build an Arcade. Each class will design and build one arcade machine this semester. First each class will research arcades and come up with criteria for their arcade designs. Then each student will make multiple designs of arcade cabinets and the class will decide on which one to build by using a decision matrix. They will then all learn how to use inkscape and make a CAD design of the cabinet. The students will then go to the FABLAB has a field trip and use their CNC machine to cut out their arcade cabinet pieces and their vynl cutter to make decorations. They will then build, program the raspberry pi for games, wire the controls, paint, and decorate their arcades.
Last semester these students learned about the design process, drafting, dimensioning, isometric sketches, and orthographic projections, I don't think there is a better or more meaningful way to put those skills into use than building an arcade! This project will reinforce those skills and we will build upon them with new knowledge and skills in CAD design, programming, circuitry, soldering, and using a raspberry pi. The students are really excited about this project and this means a lot to them. I want these students who are middle school students to feel a lasting sense of pride and self efficacy when they pass by their arcade machines in their high school years, bragging to their friends that they built that.
About my class
I am partnered with the FABLAB (a local maker space) to use their CNC Machine to cut out my student's arcade cabinet designs in order to build an Arcade. Each class will design and build one arcade machine this semester. First each class will research arcades and come up with criteria for their arcade designs. Then each student will make multiple designs of arcade cabinets and the class will decide on which one to build by using a decision matrix. They will then all learn how to use inkscape and make a CAD design of the cabinet. The students will then go to the FABLAB has a field trip and use their CNC machine to cut out their arcade cabinet pieces and their vynl cutter to make decorations. They will then build, program the raspberry pi for games, wire the controls, paint, and decorate their arcades.
Last semester these students learned about the design process, drafting, dimensioning, isometric sketches, and orthographic projections, I don't think there is a better or more meaningful way to put those skills into use than building an arcade! This project will reinforce those skills and we will build upon them with new knowledge and skills in CAD design, programming, circuitry, soldering, and using a raspberry pi. The students are really excited about this project and this means a lot to them. I want these students who are middle school students to feel a lasting sense of pride and self efficacy when they pass by their arcade machines in their high school years, bragging to their friends that they built that.
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