2D Modelling and Laser Cutting Course: Parts for LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime

An advanced SPIKE™ Prime extension where students design precise 2D components in Tinkercad, fabricate them using a laser cutter, and integrate them into functional mechanical systems powered by programmable control.

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Course overview

2D Modelling and Laser Cutting for SPIKE™ Prime is an advanced engineering extension for students who already have experience with robotics. Students move beyond assembling predefined models and begin working with engineered mechanical systems.

In Tinkercad, they design precise 2D components that are laser-cut from plywood and integrated into LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime builds. Each project connects digital design, mechanical transmission, and event-driven programming. Learners build systems and kinetic mechanisms while exploring how motion is transferred, controlled, and stabilized.

The course is fully guided and classroom-ready. Step-by-step modelling instructions support the CAD process, and ready-to-cut files are available when needed. Laser cutting is recommended before lessons so classroom time focuses on design reasoning, mechanical understanding, and structured programming.

The course develops engineering thinking — showing students how digital designs become functional mechanical systems powered by code.

COURSE IN DEVELOPMENT. Some of the contents are still a work in progress. Once complete, your access will be updated to include new lessons.

Is this course right for you?

Schools, clubs and camps

For institutions already working with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime that want to extend robotics into engineering design and digital fabrication. Requires access to one laser cutter.

Teachers & facilitators

For educators who have completed SPIKE™ Prime Intermediate course and want a structured, classroom-ready engineering extension — without needing prior experience in laser cutting.

Students aged 10+

For learners with at least one year of robotics experience who are ready to move from assembling models to understanding how mechanical systems are designed, fabricated, and programmed.

What the 2D Modelling & Laser Cutting course includes

Teacher-focused resources

Classroom-ready lesson structure Each project follows a clear flow: consider → design → build → test → code → demonstrate.

Implementation support Guidance on preparing laser-cut parts, pacing lessons (90–130 min), and managing fabrication outside classroom time.

Teacher licence with student access Full access to instructions, multimedia materials, and controlled student visibility.

Complete 10-project engineering curriculum

Structured mechanical systems projects Students design, fabricate, and integrate laser-cut components into working SPIKE™ Prime machines.

Guided 2D modelling in Tinkercad Step-by-step instructions teach students how to design precise parts that fit LEGO® elements and function within mechanical systems.

Laser-ready design files included Teachers can use downloadable files when needed, while still guiding students through the design process.

Online learning platform

Browser-based access No installation required — works on standard classroom devices.

Flexible project order Teachers choose lesson sequence based on group level and time constraints.

How it works

Get access
Choose your access plan and log in to the e-learning platform.

Pick a project
Launch any of the 10 projects with just a few clicks.

Teach with confidence
Focus on guiding students while the platform gives instructions.

Get your access

Lesson plans at a glance

3 out of 10 advanced engineering projects you can teach in your classroom. Get a quote to receive full curriculum.
Click to browse all lessons in this course.

Crane

Lesson time: approx. 120–130 min

Student age: 10+

Learners design and assemble a motorised port crane that integrates laser-cut structural components with SPIKE™ Prime. It combines multiple gear transmissions, rotational platforms, and lifting mechanisms, all controlled with Word Blocks programming.

Multi-motor coordination and load mechanics This project introduces compound mechanical systems where several transmissions operate together. Students analyse gear ratios, manage synchronized motor behaviour, and explore how structural stability influences controlled motion.

A model that feels real When the crane rotates and lifts its load with precision, the result resembles industrial machinery rather than a classroom robot. The scale and functionality create a strong sense of accomplishment and demonstrate what engineered systems can achieve.

Astronomical Clock

Lesson time: approx. 110–130 min

Student age: 10+

In this project, students construct a layered gear transmission system using precisely designed laser-cut elements. A single motor input is translated into synchronized rotational movement across multiple stages, forming a working mechanical clock model.

Precision through gear ratios The lesson focuses on how rotational speed changes across gear stages and how small design decisions affect timing accuracy. Learners connect theoretical ratios with visible, measurable motion inside a complex transmission chain.

Engineering meets elegance As the wooden gears rotate in harmony, the system becomes both technical and visually striking. The finished model highlights how accuracy, alignment, and thoughtful design can transform simple motion into a refined mechanical display.

Kinetic Sculpture

Lesson time: approx. 90–110 min

Student age: 10+

Students create a rotating kinetic sculpture driven by a SPIKE™ Prime motor and enhanced with custom laser-cut patterns. Variable-based programming allows them to adjust speed and observe how motion alters the visual effect.

Controlling motion through code The focus here is on how programming parameters influence mechanical behaviour. By modifying variables and testing different speeds, learners see how digital control directly shapes physical movement.

Where engineering becomes visual expression As layered wooden elements spin into dynamic patterns, students experience the creative dimension of mechanical systems. The project builds confidence while showing that precise fabrication can produce results that are both technical and beautiful.

How each lesson works

Consider Each project begins with a clearly defined engineering challenge. Teachers introduce the system goal, clarify how motion should behave, and discuss what the designed components must achieve.

Design (Tinkercad) Students create precise 2D components using step-by-step modelling guidance. The focus is on functional design — parts must align, fit LEGO® elements, and operate within a mechanical system.

Fabricate Elements are laser-cut from plywood and prepared for assembly. Cutting is recommended before the lesson so classroom time remains focused on analysis and construction.

Create Laser-cut components are integrated with SPIKE™ Prime structures. Students assemble transmissions, supports, and moving systems, checking alignment and mechanical stability.

Check Before programming, learners manually examine how motion transfers through gears and joints. This step helps identify friction, misalignment, or structural issues early.

Code (SPIKE™ Word Blocks) Students implement structured programs to control movement, adjust variables, and synchronize actions. They observe how changes in code influence real mechanical behaviour.

Celebrate Lesson concludes with a demonstration and short explanation of how design, mechanics, and programming interact. Students articulate what worked, what required adjustment, and why.

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See the lesson in action

What your students will learn

From assembling models to designing systems

Students no longer rely only on predefined LEGO elements. They design functional 2D components that must integrate with existing structures — experiencing how engineered parts are created to solve specific mechanical challenges.

How motion is engineered, not just programmed

Learners analyse how rotational movement changes across gear stages, how load affects stability, and how structural decisions influence performance. Programming becomes a tool for controlling engineered systems — not just triggering actions.

Digital design connected to physical reality

By moving from Tinkercad to laser-cut fabrication and assembly, students experience a complete engineering cycle: design → production → integration → testing. This connection between digital modelling and physical behaviour is rarely present in standard robotics curricula.

Mechanical precision with aesthetic quality

Laser-cut elements are both functional and visually refined. Students see that engineering can produce results that are accurate and display-worthy — reinforcing attention to detail and intentional design.

Structured engineering thinking

Through guided projects, learners practice analysing constraints, testing mechanisms, refining parameters, and explaining cause-and-effect relationships between structure and code.

Discover our online platform

See how the RoboCamp education platform supports hands-on engineering and fabrication lessons with SPIKE™ Prime.

Student access included

Step-by-step lesson instructions Students follow structured guidance for modelling, building, testing, and programming — all in one place.

Designed for group work The platform supports pair or small-team learning with shared SPIKE™ Prime sets.

Structured lesson flow

Clear engineering stages Each lesson is divided into defined phases: challenge introduction, 2D design, fabrication preparation, mechanical assembly, testing, programming, and reflection.

Supports modular delivery Projects can be divided into 2–3 sessions depending on classroom timing.

Teacher-controlled environment

Manage student visibility Teachers decide which materials are accessible and when.

Flexible sequencing Projects can be taught in different orders depending on group readiness and available time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior experience with laser cutting to teach this course?

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No. The course provides clear guidance on preparing and using laser-cut components. Cutting is recommended before lessons so classroom time focuses on design and system integration. Basic familiarity with operating your school’s laser cutter is sufficient.

When should the laser cutting be done — during or before the lesson?

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Laser cutting is best done before the lesson or between sessions. Students learn the design process in Tinkercad, but preparing parts in advance keeps lesson time focused on engineering analysis, assembly, and programming.

My students are still beginners with SPIKE™ Prime. Is this course too advanced for them?

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This course is designed as an advanced extension for students who already have experience building and programming with SPIKE™ Prime or a similar robotics set. At least one year of regular robotics lessons is recommended. Consider other courses, designed with lower entry level in mind: SPIKE™ Prime: Beginner and SPIKE™ Prime: Intermediate.

How much classroom time should I plan for each project?

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Each project typically requires 90–130 minutes, depending on the model and group experience. Projects can be divided into 2–3 separate lessons if needed.

What equipment exactly do I need to teach this course?

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You will need LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime sets, computers with access to Tinkercad, and access to one laser cutter capable of cutting 3 mm plywood. Ready-to-cut design files are included when needed.

Do I have to teach the projects in a specific order?

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No. The course includes 10 engineering projects that can be taught flexibly. You can choose the sequence based on student readiness, curriculum goals, and available time.

Will students be designing their own mechanisms from scratch?

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Students follow guided engineering replication. They design functional components in Tinkercad, with opportunities to customize and extend elements. All parts are created to integrate reliably with SPIKE™ Prime structures.

Course pricing

2D Modelling and Laser Cutting Course: Parts for SPIKE™ Prime

Advanced SPIKE™ Prime extension focused on engineering design

10 structured mechanical system projects

Step-by-step 2D modelling in Tinkercad

Laser-ready design files included

Structured lesson flow: design → fabricate → build → test → code

One-year access for 1 teacher and students

299

1 year access

COURSE IN DEVELOPMENT. Some of the contents are still a work in progress. Once complete, your access will be updated to include new lessons.