Mapping Canadian History Through Borders

Question 1

Could you have done this activity without the teaching aid you have fabricated? How do you think digital fabrication improves the activity vs utilizing traditional methods? What is the extra value?

Yes, this activity could have been completed without the teaching aid; however, the digital fabrication adds significant value and enhances the learning experience. While students could simply look at printed maps or draw freehand, using a fabricated stencil allows them to physically engage with Canada’s geography in a more interactive and memorable way. The hands-on act of drawing borders helps reinforce spatial awareness and encourages students to connect historical events with visual changes on the map. By physically tracing and labeling borders, they can better recall how political and geographic factors shaped the country over time. Additionally, gamifying the activity—having students compete to correctly mark borders—adds motivation and enjoyment, making the lesson more dynamic and engaging. Digital fabrication, such as laser-cut or 3D-printed stencils, ensures accuracy and reusability, offering a durable, precise teaching aid that enhances both collaboration and learning retention compared to traditional paper-based methods.

Question 2

What did you learn during the fabrication process?

During the fabrication process, I learned two key lessons that will help me in future projects. First, I discovered that thicker wood requires multiple passes to cut through properly—in this case, nine passes were needed. This taught me the importance of planning for extra time in the fabrication schedule, as thicker materials not only take longer to cut but also require careful monitoring to avoid burning or damaging the wood. Second, I realized how time-consuming it can be to prepare an effective vector drawing. I had to simplify the map by removing extra nodes to reduce unnecessary detail, which made the final stencil easier for students to trace with markers. This experience showed me the balance between accuracy and practicality—sometimes, simplifying the design improves usability. Overall, I gained a better understanding of both the technical and design considerations involved in digital fabrication.