{"id":68304,"date":"2021-11-25T21:27:53","date_gmt":"2021-11-26T05:27:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/?p=68304"},"modified":"2022-01-26T13:52:01","modified_gmt":"2022-01-26T21:52:01","slug":"lelu-spanish-steam-learning-subscription-boxes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/lelu-spanish-steam-learning-subscription-boxes\/","title":{"rendered":"How This Startup Uses Laser Cutting To Produce 15 Projects In 9 Months"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-subscription-box_-ponoko-_blog-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-68318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-subscription-box_-ponoko-_blog-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-subscription-box_-ponoko-_blog-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-subscription-box_-ponoko-_blog-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-subscription-box_-ponoko-_blog-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-subscription-box_-ponoko-_blog-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-subscription-box_-ponoko-_blog-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lelu-combines-language-steam-in-the-ultimate-subscription-box\">Lelu Combines Language &amp; STEAM In The Ultimate Subscription Box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lelu-usa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lelu<\/a> is on a mission to make bilingualism a&nbsp;vibrant part of every child&#8217;s life.&nbsp;Through games, monthly subscription boxes, a digital learning platform and one-on-one tutoring with native Spanish speakers, the California-based company has found a way to supercharge bilingualism for families with elementary aged ni\u00f1os.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as they have a unique approach to language acquisition, the way Lelu incorporates laser cut parts into their product lines is unique compared to other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">customer success stories<\/a> we\u2019ve spotlighted in the past. Because the projects and learning objectives in the subscription boxes change each month, so do the laser cut parts required to bring each design to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn more about Lelu\u2019s business model and how laser cutting is the only manufacturing option capable of meeting their monthly small-batch, quick-turnaround needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"teaching-spanish-and-steam-with-a-twist\">Teaching Spanish And STEAM\u2014With A Twist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-magic-box.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-68321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-magic-box.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-magic-box-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Lelu-magic-box-120x120.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Lelu takes an innovative approach to teaching. Rather than the typical classroom methods of teaching, Lelu\u2019s philosophy is that languages need to be&nbsp;lived&nbsp;and, in living them, they are&nbsp;acquired.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While teaching Spanish to children was the impetus of the company\u2019s formation, they\u2019re doing it with a twist\u2014building the curriculum through the lens of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. All content in Lelu\u2019s programs is written both in English and Spanish with understandable language adapted to children. This kind of multidisciplinary learning increases engagement, boosts retention, is incredibly effective and is significantly more fun for kids and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere are other products in the market (such as HolaAmigoBox and KiwiCo), but they do not blend STEAM and language learning the way Lelu does, nor do they provide as many entry points to the language,\u201d says Mathieu Penot, Lelu\u2019s lead learning experience designer. \u201cFor example, beyond the hands-on projects, we provide videos, audio guides, card and board games, an original song, conversations with real-life experts, live building sessions, one-on-one online classes and more each week. Lelu makes Spanish fun and meaningful for the whole family by providing a comprehensive framework to make bilingualism a joyful shared experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Mathieu and the Lelu team are creating new learning experiences each month, they must develop the concepts, design product prototypes, order parts, assemble everything and ship to recipients\u2014all on time and on budget. There\u2019s a lot to manage conceptually and logistically, and having a reliable manufacturing partner was key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make that decision, they had to evaluate a number of considerations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"problem-finding-parts-that-fit-project-design-parameters\">Problem: Finding Parts That Fit Project Design Parameters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When designing products for monthly subscription boxes, Mathieu says the main criteria is the capacity for the piece to enhance the educational or entertaining aspects of the project. You could spend hours (if not days) searching online for just the right part. And even if it does exist, there could be issues with required minimums and shipping times depending on country of origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"solution-creating-custom-laser-cut-parts\">Solution: Creating Custom Laser Cut Parts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMost often, we turn to laser cutting because the piece we want children to work with can\u2019t be found as-is on the shelf, either because of a specific shape or because of unusual dimensions,\u201d Mathieu says. \u201cOne of the advantages of laser cutting is also to be able to engrave certain information on the pieces themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the Wind-Up Boat, for example. Through this project, children learned about buoyancy as well as elastic potential energy. Not only did the boat need to be constructed out of a material that could get wet (acrylic, in this case), but it also required specific hole placement so the corks could be secured to the frame. And since the Lelu logo is engraved on the boat, it\u2019s properly branded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-2-Wind-Up-Boat.png\" alt=\"Lelu 2 - Wind Up Boat\" class=\"wp-image-68298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-2-Wind-Up-Boat.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-2-Wind-Up-Boat-300x173.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-2-Wind-Up-Boat-768x442.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLaser cutting is the most convenient process to get cardboard, wood and plastic original parts in small batches,\u201d Mathieu says. \u201cThere is no other alternative that could solve this problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"problem-finding-the-right-materials\">Problem: Finding The Right Materials<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the projects are varied each month, there\u2019s no one material that can be used for every build. \u201cWe want to create designs that are approachable to children and feel like they can easily manipulate them and learn from the process as well as from the finished product,\u201d Mathieu says. \u201cThe possibility to use materials such as cardboard and wood that are familiar to children is also something that I was looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"solution-using-ponoko-s-vast-materials-catalog\">Solution: Using Ponoko\u2019s Vast Materials Catalog<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/materials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wide selection of materials<\/a> is essential for adapting to all the possible project designs. \u201cDepending on the needs, we choose to use either white corrugated cardboard, plywood or acrylic,\u201d Mathieu says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cUsually, we use cardboard when the creation doesn\u2019t need to be especially sturdy and to make it easier for children to personalize it by writing or drawing on it.,\u201d he continues. \u201cFor creations that require more strength, we use either wood or acrylic. The choice is usually based on aesthetics, in particular when it comes to engraving which can be more or less visible depending on the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aesthetics played a role with the July 2021 subscription box that featured Chispita, a mascot celebrating the Olympics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each month, we send a different mascot aligned with the theme to accompany the children,\u201d Mathieu explains. \u201cChispita was designed after the Olympic Flame. We wanted a color to make her unique and remind us of the Olympic Flame, so we chose orange acrylic. It was the material that was best suited to give this unique look to Chispita and was in budget.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-3-Chispita-Opaque-Orange-Acrylic-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Lelu 3 - Chispita Opaque Orange Acrylic\" class=\"wp-image-68299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-3-Chispita-Opaque-Orange-Acrylic-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-3-Chispita-Opaque-Orange-Acrylic-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-3-Chispita-Opaque-Orange-Acrylic-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-3-Chispita-Opaque-Orange-Acrylic-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-3-Chispita-Opaque-Orange-Acrylic.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe initially used the opaque acrylic (above), but then we tried the transparent acrylic (below) and found it made Chispita prettier, therefore this is the one we sent to the families,\u201d Mathieu says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-8-Chispita-Translucent-Orange-Acrylic-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-68309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-8-Chispita-Translucent-Orange-Acrylic-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-8-Chispita-Translucent-Orange-Acrylic-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-8-Chispita-Translucent-Orange-Acrylic-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-8-Chispita-Translucent-Orange-Acrylic-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-8-Chispita-Translucent-Orange-Acrylic.jpeg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"problem-determining-the-best-manufacturing-method\">Problem: Determining The Best Manufacturing Method<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Laser cutting allows Matthieu to create custom parts from a variety of materials, but he still needs to determine if this means of manufacture fits within budgetary and delivery requirements or if there are other options to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c3D printing is something I\u2019ve looked into,\u201d he says, \u201cbut the cost, time to print, limitation in materials and size, and capacity to design in 3D make it non-ideal at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"solution-choosing-laser-cutting-for-speed-versatility-and-budget\">Solution: Choosing Laser Cutting For Speed, Versatility And Budget<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Mathieu says that \u201cbudget is a major limitation,\u201d but small batch, on-demand parts keep costs within parameters. Since there are no minimum quantity requirements when laser cutting with Ponoko, he can order only the quantity required without having extra inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, there\u2019s no tooling or big set ups with laser cutting, which saves money and time. \u201cWe are a young company, and we work on tight timelines with new projects delivered to families every month,\u201d he says. \u201cWe need an extremely fast turnaround to be able to design, prototype, order and put together the boxes every month. Laser cutting is fast and relatively inexpensive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mathieu finds it\u2019s easy to design for laser cutting, and appreciates the flexibility it provides. \u201cThe versatility of the laser cutting process helps to create different types of pieces, whether core to the projects or supporting other materials,\u201d he says. \u201cIt fits well in supporting the diversity of activities that we design every month, and it also opens more perspective and opportunities while ideating and coming up with unique projects.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bringing-all-the-parts-together-to-create-an-exceptional-educational-experience\">Bringing All The Parts Together To Create An Exceptional Educational Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Initially, Mathieu did not design with laser cutting in mind, but that\u2019s changed. \u201cThe flexibility and effectiveness of using laser cut pieces changed the design process by opening up many more possibilities right at the ideation step,\u201d he says. \u201cKnowing that I can laser cut pieces informs my design process as early as when I brainstorm ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get a sense of the projects that kids get to complete with Lelu\u2019s program, check out these highlights:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-balance-scale-project\">The Balance Scale Project<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-4-Balance-Scale-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Lelu 4 - Balance Scale\" class=\"wp-image-68300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-4-Balance-Scale-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-4-Balance-Scale-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-4-Balance-Scale-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-4-Balance-Scale-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-4-Balance-Scale-120x120.jpeg 120w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-4-Balance-Scale.jpeg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Which is heavier: A single M&amp;M or a gummy bear? With a simple balance scale, children learn about the weights of everyday objects. But that\u2019s not all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u201c<\/strong>In this project, children learn about the center of gravity (Engineering) as well as data collection (Math) by building their own balance scale and playing with different weights,\u201d Mathieu explains. \u201cBecause they make the balance scale themselves, they are able to internalize the science concepts deeper.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the laser cut pieces of the balance scale, plywood was chosen because it is cost effective while still having the right aesthetic and physical properties to make the scales work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"string-marionettes\">String Marionettes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-5-String-Marionette-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lelu 5 - String Marionette\" class=\"wp-image-68301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-5-String-Marionette-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-5-String-Marionette-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-5-String-Marionette-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-5-String-Marionette-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-5-String-Marionette.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Marionettes are as fascinating as they are fun. In this project, students are able to study the concept of string marionettes (Art) plus learn how birds fly (Science). The experience was particularly memorable for one child. \u201cSix months later, a mom told me that her son was still playing with it, which is a testimony to the impact these projects have with children.,\u201d Mathieu says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the balance scale above, plywood was laser cut for the marionette handle because of its price point and attractiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"space-exploration-box\">Space Exploration Box<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"984\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-6-Space-Exploration-Box-984x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lelu 6 - Space Exploration Box\" class=\"wp-image-68302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-6-Space-Exploration-Box-984x1024.jpg 984w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-6-Space-Exploration-Box-288x300.jpg 288w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-6-Space-Exploration-Box-768x799.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-6-Space-Exploration-Box-1476x1536.jpg 1476w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-6-Space-Exploration-Box.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 984px) 100vw, 984px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the monthly subscription boxes, Lelu also offers one-time box purchases like the Space Exploration Box, which includes a laser cut cardboard rover (right side center) as well as laser cut helmet frame (upper right side).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLaser cutting cardboard enabled us to give the rover the shape we wanted that worked with the wheels and the little magnet at the back (kids stuck a magnet to the part that comes up at the back and made the rover move by placing another magnet behind),\u201d Mathieu says. \u201cCardboard was particularly useful for the arm because it is easily bendable so kids could do the two folds that make the arm move like a mechanical articulated arm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, laser cut parts were used for the frame of the helmet and the two parts that connect the frame to the helmet. \u201cWe put together a mechanism that enabled kids to slide the visor up and down,\u201d Mathieu says. \u201cAll together, it made building the projects easier and more personal to the kids and helped open the door to more in-depth learning about STEAM concepts around the theme of space exploration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"it-s-magic-box\">It\u2019s Magic Box<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-7-Magic-Trick-Box-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lelu 7 - Magic Trick Box\" class=\"wp-image-68303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-7-Magic-Trick-Box-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-7-Magic-Trick-Box-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-7-Magic-Trick-Box-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-7-Magic-Trick-Box-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-7-Magic-Trick-Box-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-7-Magic-Trick-Box.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids (and adults!) love magic, which is why this one-time box purchase is so popular as a family project. \u201cThe laser cutting process was particularly useful for the magic box since you need precise items to do the magic tricks,\u201d Mathieu says. \u201cAll projects had some laser cut elements that were central to the magic trick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the photo above, the large cardboard box with three slots is constructed from nine laser cut pieces. Laser cutting was also used for both wooden cards, one with holes and one without.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe trick is to insert the card in the cardboard part and make it magically disappear and reappear somewhere else,\u201d Mathieu explains. \u201cThe kids not only put together the different parts of the magic trick but also learn how to perform it. For this trick, we added learning elements about the difference between making matters and information travel (Science) and explaining how credit cards work (Technology).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"working-with-ponoko\">Working With Ponoko<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mathieu first used laser cutting at a makerspace to create pieces for a class project when completing his master\u2019s degree at Stanford University. When it was time to find a laser cutting source for professional projects, he took to the internet to search the options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPonoko was the first option we tried, and we were pleased from the beginning with the quality of the parts, the speed of production and the relationship with the customer services,\u201d Mathieu says. \u201cIt is super easy to use, affordable with no minimum order and is a great way to bring original designs to life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While he found the order interface straightforward, there have been situations where further guidance was needed. \u201cPonoko\u2019s customer service has been very helpful and supportive for the different last-minute changes and questions we\u2019ve had,\u201d he says. \u201cAdditionally, being able to easily check the cost for a new part, make some changes, quote again, etc. online and as many times as needed is very helpful during the design process and to make final decisions based on our budget.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"incorporating-learning-into-everyday-experiences\">Incorporating Learning Into Everyday Experiences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you think about how we learn, it\u2019s clear that ordinary experiences accumulate to have significant impacts on cognitive networks. Lelu products and programming are designed incorporate using Spanish into ordinary experiences, creating the opportunity for the lived experience that make learning language easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s exciting to see how Lelu creates meaningful topics of conversation and activities to draw children into wanting to listen intently, engage with and reply back to what they&#8217;re&nbsp;hearing. Thanks for allowing our laser cut parts to be a part of your success story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Impressed with how Lelu is creating a bilingual hands-on learning environment? Check them out at <a href=\"https:\/\/lelu-usa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/lelu-usa.com\/<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Inspired by what the Lelu team has designed and want to start laser cutting for your next project?<br \/>Here\u2019s how:<br \/>1. Upload files to Ponoko to <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/designs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>get an instant quote<\/em><\/a><em> for making and shipping them to you today.<br \/>2. Make just 1\u2014or 10,000!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lelu Combines Language &amp; STEAM In The Ultimate Subscription Box<\/p>\n<p>Lelu is on a mission to make bilingualism a&nbsp;vibrant part of every child&#8217;s life.&nbsp;Through games, monthly subscription boxes, a digital learning platform and one-on-one tutoring with native Spanish speakers, the California-based company has found a way to supercharge bilingualism for families with elementary aged ni\u00f1os.<\/p>\n<p>Just as they have a unique approach to language acquisition, the way Lelu incorporates laser cut parts into their product lines is unique compared to other customer success stories we\u2019ve spotlighted in the past.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":68297,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1066,5796],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-68304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maker-success-stories","category-design-ideas"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How This Startup Uses Laser Cutting To Produce 15 Projects In 9 Months<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lelu supercharges bilingualism for families with elementary aged kids via STEAM subscription boxes that feature projects made with laser cut parts.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/lelu-spanish-steam-learning-subscription-boxes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How This Startup Uses Laser Cutting To Produce 15 Projects In 9 Months\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Lelu supercharges bilingualism for families with elementary aged kids via STEAM subscription boxes that feature projects made with laser cut parts.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/lelu-spanish-steam-learning-subscription-boxes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Ponoko\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/Ponoko\/34020780272\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-11-26T05:27:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-01-26T21:52:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-1-Chispita-Olympic-Themed-Mascot.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Lisa Horn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Ponoko\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Ponoko\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/lelu-spanish-steam-learning-subscription-boxes\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/lelu-spanish-steam-learning-subscription-boxes\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Lisa Horn\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d42be2c3d0721e7cbd5a01ee7b1dbc77\"},\"headline\":\"How This Startup Uses Laser Cutting To Produce 15 Projects In 9 Months\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-11-26T05:27:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-01-26T21:52:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/lelu-spanish-steam-learning-subscription-boxes\/\"},\"wordCount\":2220,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/lelu-spanish-steam-learning-subscription-boxes\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lelu-1-Chispita-Olympic-Themed-Mascot.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Maker Success Stories\",\"Product &amp; 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