Year 8 students build upon their experiences gained in Year 7 and design and make a desktop storage unit with the option of a clock built in.  The project starts when the class receive a letter (see Student Resources) asking them to design and make such a storage unit for a reputable company which has spare production capacity.

Students are encouraged to draw their ideas in isometric but at times this does prove troublesome for them.  Drawings must also include constructional details as well how to join the same or different materials.  Once a cutting list is produced the teacher then provides the student with appropriate materials.

This unit lends itself to the use of the laser cutter and the CNC milling machine (another nice name for a router controlled by a computer.  The laser can cut shapes accurately in plastics and now in special laser plywood.