Grade 3 · Laser & Vinyl · Lesson 35

Personalized Pencil Caddy

Build a useful desk container from interlocking flat pieces.

Time2 × 60 minutes + adult laser cuttingTeamsTeams of 2–4EquipmentxTool laser cutters

Project inspiration · 3 images

See, build, and test

Use these images to understand the kind of making, details, and testing involved. They are inspiration—not designs students must copy.

Finished student example for Personalized Pencil Caddy
01Finished project
Close view of the caddy's tabs, slots, and engraved symbols
02Construction detail
Student carrying and setting down the same loaded pencil caddy
03Student testing

Student directions · Grade 3

What will you make and do?

You will make a small slotted container that holds five classroom tools upright. Its size and labels should suit a specific user.

Teacher overview: Students will plan the specific object described below, make and test a first version, then use their results to improve it. Read one step together, demonstrate the unfamiliar action, and let students complete that step before moving on.

  1. 1Plan your project

    Measure the five tools and ask the user how they want to sort them. Sketch two container layouts and label wall heights and openings.

  2. 2Make the first parts

    Make cardboard walls and a base. Test tabs and slots on a scrap before assembling the container without glue where the design requires it.

  3. 3Put it together

    Add a simple name, symbol or pattern to the digital plan. The adult reviews closed outlines, fit and approved material before laser cutting.

  4. 4Test it fairly

    Load the same five tools, lift the caddy carefully over a table and set it down. Record tipping, loose parts and whether tools are easy to remove.

  5. 5Improve one part

    Change one wall height, base size or joint. Repeat the same loaded test.

  6. 6Show and turn in

    Give the user a demonstration and turn in measurements, the flat-part plan and carrying-test notes.

How will you know it works?

  • Holds five tools upright
  • Can be carried without parts separating
  • Engraving clearly identifies the user or purpose

Before you move on

Tell a partner what you are making. Point to the part you will work on next. Draw or dictate your test notes if writing slows you down.

Machine cutting, printer setup and electrical power-on require adult approval. A basic-materials model is a valid way to demonstrate the design when equipment is unavailable.

Keep your plan, test notes and before-and-after evidence with the printable design brief below. Use the detailed teacher plan and any coding guide for tool instructions. These steps continue across the lesson’s meetings, not all in one sitting.

For teachers

Engineering standards

This shows how the lesson connects to the national NGSS engineering standards and what student work you can collect.

Assessed

3-5-ETS1-1

Teams define the user or purpose and identify measurable success criteria plus size, material, and time limits.

What students show: Problem statement with criteria, constraints, and a labeled planning sketch.
Practiced

3-5-ETS1-2

Students draw and compare at least two possible shapes, layouts, or joining methods before choosing a design.

What students show: Two ideas and a criteria-based explanation of the selected features.
Assessed

3-5-ETS1-3

Teams prototype in paper or cardboard, load the same five tools, carry the caddy one meter, and set it down three times, revise one feature, and repeat the test.

What students show: Before-and-after prototype, test notes, and an evidence-based revision statement.

Materials

  • Pencils, markers, scissors, and rulers to measure
  • Cardboard box-net prototypes
  • Paper strips for slot tests
  • Paper, index cards, or thin cardboard for first prototypes
  • Pencils, dark markers, rulers, tape, and child-safe scissors
  • Computer or tablet with beginner vector-drawing software
  • Teacher-approved laser material such as cardboard, plywood, or acrylic
  • Calipers or a teacher-provided material-thickness gauge

Teacher preparation

  1. Choose and verify one material approved for the exact xTool model; record its measured thickness.
  2. Prepare a simple demonstration of cut lines, engrave areas, closed paths, and minimum feature size.
  3. Set up a paper-first prototype station and a material-saving size limit.
  4. Create the file rule G3_35_Team##_v1.
  5. Plan an adult-only file check and cutting queue; students observe from the designated safe area.

Step by step

How to teach it

Day 1 · 0–15

Meet the need

  1. Introduce the mission: Create a small pencil caddy that keeps at least five classroom tools upright and easy to reach.
  2. Name the user or purpose, then agree on criteria and constraints.
  3. Examine how tabs, slots, outlines, and engraved marks appear in sample pieces.
Day 1 · 15–35

Imagine and compare

  1. Each student sketches a different solution using simple shapes.
  2. Teams compare the ideas against the criteria.
  3. Select or combine features and label all cuts, slots, folds, and engraved details.
Day 1 · 35–60

Prototype first

  1. Build a full-size paper or cardboard version.
  2. Use the same test procedure: load the same five tools, carry the caddy one meter, and set it down three times.
  3. Find one weak, confusing, loose, or oversized feature and revise it.
Day 2 · 0–35

Make the vector file

  1. Trace or rebuild the improved design with bold closed paths.
  2. Measure every slot from the actual material thickness and keep tiny details out.
  3. Use the teacher checklist for size, line type, loose pieces, naming, and material use.
Day 2 · 35–60

Cut, assemble, and retest

  1. A trained adult performs the final safety and material check and operates the laser.
  2. Students assemble the finished parts without forcing joints.
  3. Repeat the original test, compare results, and explain one next improvement.

Assessment

  • Problem statement includes a purpose, criteria, and constraints.
  • Two ideas are compared before the final design is chosen.
  • Paper or cardboard prototype is tested before final cutting.
  • Vector file uses closed paths, readable details, and efficient material placement.
  • Revision responds to recorded test evidence.

Supports & extensions

  • Provide editable circle, rectangle, tab, slot, and name-tag starter files.
  • Offer printed picture directions and a color-coded cut-versus-engrave key.
  • Let students draw on paper for an adult or partner to trace digitally.
  • Use larger parts, fewer joints, and pre-measured slot options when helpful.
  • Extension: nest parts to reduce waste or compare two slot widths using measured fit data.

Safety & responsible use

  • Students do not operate the laser cutter.
  • A trained adult verifies material identity, settings, focus, ventilation, fire monitoring, and file placement.
  • Never laser-cut PVC, vinyl, unknown plastics, unidentified coated materials, or any material not explicitly approved.
  • Keep the lid closed during operation and follow the xTool model's required supervision and emergency procedures.
  • Check cut edges and splinters before student assembly; use only teacher-approved adhesives and hand tools.

No-machine alternative

Make the final project from cardstock, corrugated cardboard, recycled folders, or foam board using child-safe scissors and teacher-prepared pieces. Keep the same criteria, comparison, test, and revision cycle.

Printable student design brief

The challenge

Create a small pencil caddy that keeps at least five classroom tools upright and easy to reach.

Success criteria

  • Holds five tools upright
  • Can be carried without parts separating
  • Engraving clearly identifies the user or purpose

Constraints

  • Fits inside a 12 cm square footprint
  • Uses only the assigned sheet area
  • Assembles with slots or tabs rather than permanent glue

Engineer’s notes

Our user or purpose is…
Our two ideas are different because…
The test showed…
We changed… because…
Our cut lines are…
Our engraved details are…
Next time we would…
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