A partnership at Canby Public High School between the Industrial Technology teacher and their Art Teacher including a local business, would like to introduce students to laser engraving and how it can be used both in school and in the real-world.

Students will gain skills and an understanding of how ideas in one class can be intertwined and enhance projects in the other class.

Both courses integrate Kris Wilke of Wilke Wraps (Canby, MN) to introduce students to some of the capabilities of laser engraving. Kris would be able to help with ideas and provide recommendations for other ways our laser engraver could be used along with technical support when we need help. We are hopeful Wilke Wraps will see strengths in those students participating and be open to using them as students in our school to work situation for his business.

Our robotics students have had the opportunity to tour and use some of the equipment at Wilke Wraps and I would like to see that expanded so students will have more work-related experience.

This project is tied to a variety of local/regional career opportunities. Because laser engravers are used to create and enhance products, they are used in multiple areas. Laser engravers can be used in retail sales, as they enhance the final product and are helping vendors to find ways for their products to stand out from their competitors.

Construction workers, especially in cabinetry and those who work with the esthetic parts of the construction industry, would be looking at ways to enhance the final look of a product.

A person in industrial production may be responsible for running the equipment and making sure the outcome matches what is expected. He/she may also be responsible for the setup of each new project and trouble­shooting the machine if there are problems.

There are also people who do the initial design of the product and research what the market needs along with the best way to create the product. Their knowledge of software used and what the engraver can create is critical to the product and every point beyond them.

For more information, contact Dan at Canby Public Schools.