The very first phase of every project is brainstorming. For this project we brainstormed by drawing different ideas on a white board. We all were throwing out ideas for a head piece, whether it would be difficult to create or not. Eventually we all decided on a pumpkin witch hat with antlers. We liked this idea because it was interesting and resembled halloween.
After we finished brainstorming we needed to make a plan. We did this by drawing a project proposal; this included the materials, process, diagram, KWQ, purpose, “done,” and inspiration.
With a finished plan, it was time to start the prototype. The idea for the pumpkin was to make 2 large circles, and 8 half circles that connected them. When we started cutting them out with box cutters, it was very messy. It is easy to make straight lines with box cutters, but make proportional circles is more difficult. This is when we decided to use the laser cutter. It would be more efficient, and precise.
After we found out what was going to work, and what wasn’t. We divided the work amongst ourselves. Carter- the witch hat, Shritan- the antlers, David+Quentin- the pumpkin. Dividing the work would allow us to finish more quickly. Also we could focus on our individual things making it the best it could be. I spent the rest of that day learning how to laser cut from the videos provided by Mush.
Once I learned how to laser cut, I could actually use the machine. We made the 2 large circles. This is how they looked:
The next day, there were many people laser cutting so I didn’t have time in class to work on the 8 half circles. So, I stayed after during lunch and finished them. This went well, even though I missed some of my lunch. I didn’t have to stress about it the next day.
After that, we glued all the pieces together. It was the last working day so we rushed a little bit. We struggled with gluing for about 15 minutes. Then we figured out, with the help from Ms. Kato, if we cut the bottom part of the half circles, they will glue on easier. Once we did this the process went much smoother. When we cut the bottoms we didn’t do them all the same. So when it came to gluing them to the top they didn’t all stick. If I could go back and change something, I would cut all of the half circles the same. This is what the final product looks like:
As a group I think we worked pretty well. We were all separated for most of the working days, but on the last day we all came together and worked well.
A standard that I feel we could have done better is design. Although our material choices were limited, all the other groups used cardboard. If we had been able to add color, I also think that would have made it look better.
As standard I think we did well in is test. We asked questions to other groups, and the teachers. We often took the feedback and added it to our project.
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