TechMates is held once a term where girls from grades 4 – 6 may invite a significant male in their lives; dad, grandad, brother, uncle to join an evening of working with technology together.
This term, as it was so close to Christmas, I decided to make it an evening of laser cutting and decorating a 3D Christmas Tree. I found a free 3D template online, adapted it and pre-cut enough for the evening. Thanks to the help of two colleagues, their expertise in operating and checking configurations for cutting on the Epilog Laser Cutter and using Adobe Illustrator, the evening ran smoothly.
The evening began with a short introductory session on using Adobe Illustrator and materials available for decorating including LED’s, Chibitronic stickers and electric paint.
TechMates designed small ornaments with or without engraving which could be cut on the Laser Cutter. Everyone found it quite mesmerizing to watch! After constructing and preparing the surface of the trees it was time to add lights. Chibitronic stickers and LED’s were used with copper tape and coin batteries, some decided to use the soldering iron with wire. 
TechMates is quality time together learning, sharing, collaborating and socialising.
And it’s FUN!
