What Do Backpacks and Paper Snowmen Have in Common?

By: Steve Kass

What can a paper snowman teach us about computer science and computational thinking? REMC1 has a digital cutout maker that can be used to create visual classroom resources, signs, and decorations. These visual resources can enhance student learning but can also be a conversation starter for computer science and computational thinking skills.

The computer controlled cutout maker follows a set of algorithmic instructions that guides the blade across the paper to make a design. This system mirrors the early elementary Michigan Computer Science standards, which asks students to model processes by creating and following algorithms (sets of step-by-step instructions to complete a task). These systems are also frequently used in the manufacturing world. Computer numerical control (CNC) machines are commonly used for machining parts, cutting fabric and making 3D printed objects.

Dr. Emily Geiger, Western UP MiSTEM Network Director, and I recently toured the backpacking equipment company in Hancock called Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear (CTUG). The CTUG co-founders, Nathan Ackerman and Austin Gongos, are avid backpackers that started their company after experiencing a problem--obtaining durable, lightweight equipment on a college budget. Although they knew very little about sewing, they used their engineering knowledge to develop a process for designing, fabricating, cutting, and sewing the material to make affordable lightweight backpacks and other outdoor related gear. With the help of a talented team of designers, seamstresses, problem solvers and an assortment of CNC machines, Nathan and Austin used their computational thinking and STEM skills to solve a problem and create a manufacturing business.

Educators, using a CNC machine to make your students lightweight school backpacks might not be your thing, but if you want to equip your students with problem solving skills that can be used throughout their lives, you can start with a simple piece of paper!

The REMC1 digital die-cut system can create cutouts from 1” to 18” from a collection of thousands of fonts, shapes and collections designed for the classroom that can be cut from nearly 20 different colors of paper! Teachers and staff are welcome to use the cutout maker in the REMC1 Project Center or submit requests to resources@remc1.net.

Links:
https://chickentrampergear.com/
Michigan K-12 Computer Science Standards
Computational Thinking Concepts & Applications