Our community is dedicated to democratizing digital fabrication learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. UNPLUGGED is our timely approach to digital fabrication learning that includes this curated lesson collection for teachers and parents as they work with students at home.
If you have a lesson or can adapt a lesson that can be done without access to a Fab Lab, please share it with our community. Fully analog lessons that can teach digital fabrication processes with common items found at home are also welcome.
Create an Obama Poster
Students will engage with concepts of leadership and service and reflect on MLK and Obama’s legacy in a variety of different ways before creating their own ‘Obama Hope’ poster.
Exploring Arduino
This is a 5 days track focus on learning basic circuits theory and fundamentals in addition to Micro-controllers (parts and operation). Also, we will make some advance applications using the…
Digital Circuits
This is a 5 days Track focus on learning basic circuits theory and fundamentals in addition to Micro-controllers ( parts and operation ). Also we will make some applications using…
Mini T-Shirt Cannon
Engineer a mini T-shirt cannon out of a toilet paper roll and rubber bands to shoot marshmallows at a target or into a crowd! Safety note: This activity requires…
Cardboard Backboard
Learn how to make a cardboard backboard out of household materials. Once assembled, complete the attached statistics worksheet and see how many shots you can make. Apply digital fabrication skills…
Unplugged: Make and Animate- The Thaumatrope
Makers create Thaumatropes with low tech methods and materials. Suitable for fab lab projects from home.
Unplugged: Projecting Geometry for Precision Cutting and Assembly
In this lesson you’ll learn how to make complex and precise geometric assemblies – like the skateboard halfpipe seen here – without the need for a laser cutter. Inherent to…
Unplugged: Design a Biomechanical Cyborg
This activity is a perfect blend of science and creativity as students work with their partner(s) to create their version of a cyborg appendage (or device). This part must mimic the workings…
Unplugged: Cardboard Container
Students are introduced to the Engineering Design Process by creating a cardboard container to hold the contents of their pocket. In this rapid prototyping activity, each step of the EDP…
Unplugged: Makers Making Good- Stopping the Spread
Designed for distance learning, home schooling, and maker machine independent learning. Using household materials, students prototype devices to help stop the spread of infectious diseases.
Coding 3D Models Using Tinkercad Codeblocks
Inspired by contemporary South African baskets and hats, this activity explores craft through computation, 3D modeling and 3D printing. Students will use object-oriented computer programming, meaning they will place a…
UNPLUGGED lessons will:
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Make use of materials and tools found at home.
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Specify learning objectives that are clear and measurable.
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Provide details in each step so that many others can follow.
Tag your lesson with “Unplugged,” so we can feature it in the collection. You can also “Remix” a lesson from another contributor if you have an idea to make it analog. Thanks for helping make this time away from our Fab Labs and maker spaces educational and inspiring.
Future Designs for Digital Wellness
This session explores how technology affects our focus and emotions, and how design can support healthier digital habits. Participants will identify a digital wellbeing challenge, map a simple user journey,…
March 25, 2026
Biodegradable Coffee Grounds Cup
This lesson plan focuses on the cup design process, using scientific principles to solve a real-world reuse household waste issue. This plan is designed for high-paced, hands-on engagement. Preparing the materials,…
March 25, 2026
Light-Activated Pixel Heart
Through this course, students will learn the complete process of circuit board design and fabrication, and realize simple wearable functions by sewing the circuit boards onto clothing.
March 25, 2026
AI & IOT in Sport: Coding For Innovation – Modern AI in Python
This workshop aims to teach participants Python coding and its fundamentals, using Python programming language. Which includes Python External Libraries for AI and Machine Learning, how to, install them, access…
March 24, 2026
AI & IOT in Sport: Coding For Innovation – IoT Python
This workshop aims to teach participants Python coding and its fundamentals, using Python programming language. Which includes IoT pre-built and DIY devices how to use and build them with whatever…
March 24, 2026
AI & IOT in Sport: Coding For Innovation – Basic Python 2
This workshop aims to teach participants Python coding and its fundamentals, using Python programming language. Which includes Python Built-In libraries, Python External Libraries, how to, install them, access their documentation…
March 24, 2026
AI & IOT in Sport: Coding For Innovation – Basic Python 1
This workshop aims to teach participants basic coding and its fundamentals, using Python programming language. Which includes data storage and data manipulation, conditions with IF statement, loops and data structure.…
March 24, 2026
My Family Abstract Sculpture (Recycled Materials)
Unit Background The Primary 4 Art unit My Family is designed to help students understand how family relationships and values can be shown through art. Using selected local artworks, students…
March 21, 2026
Design and Fabricate a Sustainable Biomaterial Product
Students are firstly demonstrated the use of biomaterial to make into a functional product. They embark on their innovative journey to create and fabricate as a team of 3 /…
March 18, 2026
Centripetal Forces: 3D Modelling Banked Turns
[PRIOR CLASS] Introduce circular motion, including the equation for centripetal force, mv^2/r Combine prior knowledge of forces on an inclined plane and motion in a circle. Provide assignment details, separate…
March 12, 2026
Narrative Mosaic
This lesson aims to bring students together through active listening and empathy. By learning about each other’s backgrounds, hobbies, and values, students collaborate on creating a mural in which they…
March 6, 2026
Calculating Forces on an Inclined Plane
[PRIOR CLASS] Introduce dynamics, including Newton’s second law, weight, normal force, net force, and friction Introduce concept of forces on an inclined plane, including shift in perspective. Introduce class to…
March 2, 2026
A Sustainable Living – Autobiography of a recycled object
This Primary 3 English lesson is aligned with the Ministry of Education (Singapore) STELLAR (Strategies for English Language Learning and Reading) approach and integrates Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) through the theme sustainable living.…
February 24, 2026
Eco-Fair Project
Lesson Summary: Eco Fair Design Project The Eco Fair Design Project is a five-week sustainability-focused design challenge in which students work collaboratively to research, design, and build a physical prototype…
February 17, 2026
Fabricating Musical Instrument
Students will design and construct a working musical instrument, either digital or analog. by combining fabrication technologies (3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking) with sustainable or upcycled materials. They will do…
February 16, 2026
Emotion box – An Inclusive SEL System
Overview Designed by Grades 7–9 students Created for Grades 1–4 students Supports Emotional Regulation through guided breathing Aligned with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) How It Works Box includes emotion buttons:…
February 15, 2026STANDARDS-ALIGNED
Community contributed lessons aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) offer formal educators innovative pathways to teaching content knowledge. The Fab I Can Statements are a resource to develop technology-literate learning progressions to align with content standards.
FAB TESTED
Periodically lessons are adapted and tested by the Fab Foundation team based on a call for submissions from fabbers, educators, and makers. Our inaugural set of lessons for the SCOPES-DF project were Fab Tested in 2016 and are tagged Fab Tested on the website.
OPEN-SOURCE VALUES
Lessons are distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC license, that permits free use and re-purposing by others.