For our 2nd unit in my STEAM class Rapid Prototyping, we learned about 2.5 dimensions. Building off our lass unit, we went from measuring distance in 2D to measuring distance in 3D. We also learned about density, volume, and mass. We learned how to calculate all of these, and about the units they measure. We learned about conversions to the metric system because that is important in measuring density. We also discussed the differences between accuracy and precision. We took different scenarios and decided if they were accurate or precise, both or neither. We took an FE to the Harold Washington Library. We visited YouMedia's teen space. YouMedia is an organization to educate teens and provide free services for teens to be creative. They have a space in the library with recording equipment, art space, and 3D printers and vinyl cutters. We also visited their maker lab with many 3D printers, vinyl cutters, Carveys, and laser cutters. For this action project, we were asked to create 2 mini plaques showing GCE's 5 core values: AAPGA. Accountability, Autonomy, Purpose, Gratitude, and Achievement. I chose autonomy because I like the aspect of self-awareness in a small community. We were e given a lightweight material called Foamular. We created a design on the Easel software and used the Carvey to carve the design. We then had to try to recreate the design by hand. We then had to take measurements and do calculations and compare and contrast the experiences.
Overall, I liked this project a lot. I enjoyed using the different tools that I haven't gotten to use very much. I had some challenges with the handmade sizing, but I just kept trying, and I got it to work using stencils and rulers. I am most proud of how the handmade plaque came out. I didn't expect for it to come out as cleanly as it did.
Make sure to click here for a heart being carved out. 
