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Students present CNC- and laser-made music boxes as example of hands-on tech-ed learning
Summary
High school technology-education teachers and students presented handmade music boxes, CNC machined boxes and laser‑engraved alma mater lyrics to the school board as examples of collaborative, career‑focused classroom projects.
Teachers and students from the district's technology education classes presented handmade music boxes to the school board as an example of career-technical learning and cross-course collaboration.
Four students — identified as Hudson Sellers, Nathan Banks, Andy Miller and Oak Yeller — and several teachers explained the classroom process: engineering and CAD classes designed parts, woodshop/stagecraft classes cut pieces and graphics/digital-electronics classes handled engraving and music programming. A teacher described the project as a "mini production unit" that exposed students to CNC machining, laser engraving and music transcription for a custom music-box cylinder that plays the school's alma mater.
Why it matters: Presenters emphasized that the project teaches applied skills — CAD design, CNC machining, laser engraving and assembly — that can lead to careers or small business opportunities, such as craft fairs and home-based production. "We're really getting our kids hands-on experiences where really the sky's the limit," a teacher said.
The board and attendees inspected the finished artifacts and praised the students. Teachers noted that some students already own consumer-grade 3D printers and laser engravers, and that the classroom work helps students decide whether to pursue technical careers.
Ending: Board members thanked the students and teachers for the demonstration and recognized the project as an example of curriculum integrating multiple technical disciplines.
