2D Modelling and Laser Cutting for LEGO SPIKE Prime Course

This course takes LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime beyond the standard kit by introducing students to digital modeling and laser cutting. Each lesson guides students through designing 2D parts, producing them with precision, and adding them to robotic models. The result is a new class of hybrid robots that merge LEGO mechanisms with custom-designed structures.
While students bring their ideas to life, they strengthen programming skills with Word Blocks. Teachers gain a powerful toolset for engaging students in STEAM, showing them how robotics, design, and modern manufacturing intersect in exciting and meaningful ways.
Available as a standalone course, or in Teacher and School plans.
  • extensive introduction illustrated with graphics and animations,
  • detailed instructions for building LEGO® SPIKE Prime robot,
  • detailed instructions on how to design 3D elements for 3D printing,
  • step-by-step programming guide for SPIKE Prime programming app,
  • useful cross-sections of the construction,
  • access to additional teaching resources.

Lesson plans

ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK
Construct a multi-stage gear transmission that transforms motor input into synchronized rotational movement. Investigate how gear ratios influence speed, timing, and long-term mechanical accuracy.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
BUTTERFLY
Assemble a kinetic butterfly enhanced with precision laser-cut wings and a crank-driven mechanism. Program cyclic motion and explore how rotational input converts into controlled flapping.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
CAROUSEL
Construct a rotating carousel system and analyse how increasing motor speed affects balance and stability. Use sensor input to regulate motion and observe centrifugal force in action.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
CRANE
Build a motorised crane with rotational and lifting mechanisms powered by compound gear transmissions. Program coordinated motion and examine how real industrial cranes manage load and precision.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
OWL FLYER
Assemble a motorised owl with synchronized wing movement driven by a cyclic mechanism. Program repeated motion and analyse how mechanical linkage ensures smooth, consistent flight patterns.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
FORTUNE WHEEL
Design and build a motorized fortune wheel driven by a gear transmission system. Program controlled rotation and explore how speed, timing, and friction influence randomised outcomes.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
GEARBOX PUZZLE
Design and build a mechanical transmission puzzle that transfers motion through hidden gear stages. Program logic to activate the system and investigate how different gear configurations change output speed.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
KINETIC SCULPTURE
Create a rotating kinetic sculpture using layered laser-cut elements and precise alignment. Adjust motor variables to control speed and observe how small programming changes reshape visual motion.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
ALARM CLOCK
Construct a functional gear-driven clock with synchronized motor control and dual transmission ratios. Program timed activation and examine how mechanical precision supports reliable system behaviour.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.
ZOETROPE
Build a motor-driven zoetrope that demonstrates the illusion of motion through rotational speed. Program variable control and explore how timing and frame rate affect visual perception.

Robot designed for: LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime (#45678), SPIKE programming app, xTool laser cutter and software.