In this STEAM classroom project, students design and make a personalized name badge using LaserMaker. The lesson introduces basic digital drawing, text layout, material selection, engraving, cutting, and parameter testing through a practical object students can use in class events, maker camps, exhibitions, or school activities.

1. Lesson Overview

1.1 Project Goal

Students will create a name badge that communicates identity clearly and fits a real use scenario. Through the process, they will practice planning, drawing, arranging text, choosing materials, setting processing layers, and improving the result through testing.

1.2 Recommended Classroom Use

2. Learning Objectives

2.1 Knowledge and Skills

2.2 STEAM Thinking Skills

2.3 Responsible Making

Students should use respectful, school-appropriate language and imagery on their badges. They may study other designs for inspiration, but their final work should include their own improvements, choices, and creative decisions.

3. Classroom Scenario: What Is a Name Badge?

A name badge is a wearable or hanging sign used to show identity, role, group, or event information. It helps people introduce themselves and makes activities, workshops, exhibitions, and classroom events easier to organize.

Most name badges are rectangular, but they can also use rounded, circular, or customized shapes depending on the purpose and design style.

4. Project Analysis

Before opening the software, students should analyze the badge as a real product. This helps them understand how the design will be used, what material is suitable, and which parts should be engraved or cut.

5. Step-by-Step Learning Activity

5.1 Research, Measure, and Sketch

Start by observing real badges from school events, workshops, conferences, or activity groups. Pay attention to size, shape, readability, and how the badge is worn or attached.

After measuring, students should sketch their badge by hand. The sketch should show the badge outline, text placement, decorative elements, and any holes or attachment positions needed for wearing or hanging.

5.2 Draw the Badge Outline in LaserMaker

Open LaserMaker and use the Rectangle Tool to draw the basic badge shape. Students can drag to create the rectangle or enter the measured width and height directly in the size fields.

Next, use the Rounded Corner Tool to soften the sharp corners. In the sample project, a radius value of 5 is used. Move to each corner and click when the “+” symbol appears to round the corners one by one.

5.3 Add and Arrange Text

Use the Text Tool to add the badge content. In the sample project, the text includes “Maker Training Camp,” a student name, and a group label. Students can choose a suitable font and size, then move and resize the text so the layout is balanced and easy to read.

5.4 Set Processing Layers and Parameters

Select the text objects and assign them to the appropriate processing layer. In the sample workflow, the text is assigned to the yellow shallow engraving layer.

Double-click the processing layer to open the Processing Parameters dialog box. For the sample badge, set the material to basswood plywood, choose shallow engraving for the text, and use a processing thickness of 0.1 mm. For the badge outline, use the black cutting layer, set the material to basswood plywood, choose cutting, and use a processing thickness of 3 mm.

If a test result needs improvement, students can adjust the engraving or cutting parameters, including speed and power, in the relevant parameter dialog box. The sample debugging activity suggests testing a speed value of 400 and a power value of 20, then observing the result and refining the settings as needed.

5.5 Test, Debug, and Improve

Before making the final badge, students should test the design and processing settings on a small piece of the same material. Encourage them to compare the clarity of different fonts, observe the engraving depth, and check whether the cut edge is clean.

6. Finished Project

After the final settings are confirmed, students can complete the engraving and cutting process, then clean the badge and attach the pin, cord, or other wearing method selected during the design stage.

7. Extension Challenge

After completing the name badge, students can apply the same design process to a classroom sign or group display board. They should consider how the sign will be fixed securely to a wall, door, board, or classroom display area.

8. Student Inspiration Gallery

The following badge and sign examples can be used for classroom discussion, design inspiration, and student reflection. Encourage students to compare the shape, layout, text, material, and attachment method of each example.

9. Classroom Equipment Note

This project is suitable for classroom laser cutters that support small-format engraving and cutting. For schools, makerspaces, and beginner STEAM labs, Thunder Laser Bolt can be used for hands-on projects such as name badges, signs, tags, labels, and student design activities.

Teachers can choose the machine and material setup based on classroom space, project size, material choice, and learning goals. The same workflow can also be adapted for other CO2 laser machines when students move on to larger signs, display boards, or more advanced maker projects.