This inexpensive and easy project is a great starter project and will help new makers get familiar with simple electronics, image processing, and using the laser cutter.

Soldering and wiring tools
Laser Cutter
Graphics design app (Google Slides, Vectr.com, Inkscape, etc.)
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Birch plywood sheet, ⅛” thick
Clear Acrylic sheet, ⅛” thick (cast is preferable to extruded)
LED strips - 12V, single color or RGB (not addressable LEDs / Neopixels), (such as https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NATWJ49 - the 12V strips run on 9V)
Stranded wire 24 AWG
9V Batteries
Battery snaps
Brass fasteners - 1”
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Express yourself with a light-up acrylic display! For classes and large groups, pre-cut the plywood bases and prepare the LED strips in advance.
Have a question or want to share your Makes with us? Contact us!
k12maker@mit.edu