FabSchool Maker Studio

Digital design & fabrication at school

Overview

Fab@School Maker Studio is a design and printing software for students. Students create 2D images using the software, fabricate and cut them using a printer and cutter, and fold them into 3D models and designs. Students chose from a library of pre-designed images, or create and assemble their own projects. Fab@School Maker Studio is available at an annual, per student rate.

APPROACH

Students begin using Fab@School Maker Studio by opening up the software on their web browser. From the home screen, they chose to create a new project, do a pre-designed step-by-step project, print and fabricate a ready-made project, or view previously saved projects. For any of the options student choose, they will have to select which type of content-- ‘2D Stuff.’ ‘Pop-Ups,’or ‘3D Stuff’-- they wish to design by selecting the respective tab. Students who select to create a new project from scratch start by using drop down menus to select the layout, media size, and digital or manual cutter option. They are then sent to their workspace page, where they use tools from the top menu to add, edit, or select shapes from the library and use tools on the left to edit their creation. If students select a step-by-step project, they follow the prompted step-by-step directions using a graphic template for their design. Ready-made projects are already made and open for editing before printing.

Students then send their design to the fabricator and digital cutter by launching the separate, free app ‘FabPrintServer.’ They select the ‘fabricate’ icon from their menu and follow the onscreen prompts to print, position, and cut their design. Once printed and cut, students fold their models into pop-ups or 3D shapes.

WHO’S USING IT

As of 2016, over 50,000 teachers and students in over 500 schools are using Fab@School Maker Studio in their classroom.

PRICING

Fab@School Maker Studio costs $5.00 per student, per year.