TinkRLantern

Makerboard TinkRLantern

Learning Objective + Overview

Students will explore introductory 2D design concepts such as navigating in 2D space, manipulating shapes and patterns, and then preparing their design to be made into a real object. They will also learn about light diffusion, and optionally how to program lights with the help of the TinkRworks Makerboard.

This project can be as simple as 2D designing shapes, but can also extend into making complex shapes and patterns with different drawing tools. For this activity, we will focus on basic shape manipulation.

There are two different versions of TinkRLantern.

Regular TinkRLantern

• Design, color, assemble and light up your design with a flashlight.

Makerboard TinkRLantern

• Similar to Regular TinkRlantern, but adds a coding element by programming lights. Requires additional materials highlighted in the materials section.

Estimated Length

1 - 2 hours of class time

Materials

For Each Student

• Computer with Internet Access
• Colored Tissue Paper or Cellophane
• Cardboard (Shipping Boxes that can be cut into 8" x 12" pieces)
• TinkRworks Makerboard (For Makerboard TinkRLantern)
• 3 Pin Breadboard Wires (For Makerboard TinkRLantern)
• Type-C USB Cable (For Makerboard TinkRLantern)
• LED Strip (For Makerboard TinkRLantern)

For Each Class

• Coloring Utensils (Markers, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Paint)
• Tape
• Flashlight
• Scissors
• Laser Cutter

Setup & Planning

• Decide which version of TinkRLantern you want your students to create. Download the templates here:
  • Regular TinkRLantern
  • Makerboard TinkRLantern
• If possible, create a TinkRLantern of your own to demo the project. Present it to the class and ask them how they think it was made.
• This project requires students to use and navigate a 2D design program. Here are some guides for some free 2D design programs that we recommend for this type of project:
  • Vectr
  • Inkscape
• Note: It is a good idea to give students a class period to play around in the 2D design program and get a feel for how to navigate in the space.
• This project requires the use of a 3D laser cutter and laser cutter software for preparing the TinkRLanterns design files.

Procedure (Regular TinkRLantern)

Project

1. Have each student pick 1 of the 3 pumpkin templates and upload it to their 2D design program.
2. Introduce the template to the students. Explain that the pumpkins are made of a series of black outlines that will be cut out on a laser cutter.
3. Using a 2D design program, have students create their own outlines on the pumpkin by using various different tools.
   • Dragging out basic shapes
   • Using Line or Pen tools to make custom shapes
   • Shape builder tools to combine multiple basic shapes
   • Duplicating shapes by copy + pasting.
4. Once students are satisfied with their designs, you may want to check them for a few different areas.
   • Make sure that each shape outline is closed so it makes a complete cut on the laser cutter.
   • Make sure that each shape outline is the same color the laser cutter will recognize the outlines.
   • Make sure that each shape outline is contained inside the boundaries of the pumpkin shape.
5. After the designs have been checked, they are ready to be exported to the laser cutter software.
6. Load the laser cutter with the cardboard pieces and begin cutting. Make sure that the Black outlines are a complete cut and the red outlines are just etches.
7. Remove the TinkRLantern pieces from the Laser Cutter and have students color the pumpkin with coloring utensils or any other decorations.
8. Flip the decorated TinkRLantern over, and cut out colored tissue paper or cellophane so they overlap the cutouts. Attach with tape.
9. Assemble the TinkRLantern Stand and Flashlight stand.
10. Place the flashlight stand behind the pumpkin. Have the Flashlight Rest on the lip of the flashlight stand and turn it on. Have students adjust the distance of the flashlight for the best "glow" effect.
11. Turn off the lights and enjoy your TinkRLantern!

Procedure (Makerboard TinkRLantern)

Project

1. Have each student pick 1 of the 3 pumpkin templates and upload it to their 2D design program.
2. Introduce the template to the students. Explain that the pumpkins are made of a series of black outlines that will be cut out on a laser cutter.
3. Using a 2D design program, have students create their own outlines on the pumpkin by using various different tools.
   • Dragging out basic shapes
   • Using Line or Pen tools to make custom shapes
   • Shape builder tools to combine multiple basic shapes
   • Duplicating shapes by copy + pasting.
4. Once students are satisfied with their designs, you may want to check them for a few different areas.
   • Make sure that each shape outline is closed so it makes a complete cut on the laser cutter.
   • Make sure that each shape outline is the same color the laser cutter will recognize the outlines.
   • Make sure that each shape outline is contained inside the boundaries of the pumpkin shape.
   • Make sure they are only designing outlines on the front piece and not the back piece. The back piece needs to stay untouched so we can attach LEDs and the Makerboard.
5. After the designs have been checked, they are ready to be exported to the laser cutter software.
6. Load the laser cutter with the cardboard pieces and begin cutting. Make sure that the Black outlines are a complete cut and the red outlines are just etches.
7. Remove the TinkRLantern pieces from the Laser Cutter and have students color the pumpkin with coloring utensils or any other decorations.
8. Flip the decorated TinkRLantern over, and cut out colored tissue paper or cellophane so they overlap the cutouts. Attach with tape.
9. Attach the Breadboard wires to the LED strip and Makerboard.
10. Once attached, tape the LED strip to the TinkRLantern back piece. Make your best guess on the placement so that light will shine through the outlines best.
11. Attach Makerboard to the other side of the back piece. Plug the Type-C USB cable into the Makerboard port.
12. Plug the other end of the USB cable into the computer and log into TinkRcode to begin coding lights for your TinkRLantern.
13. Experiment with different color patterns and effects to make your TinkRLantern extra cool!
14. Turn off the lights and enjoy your TinkRLantern!