Within classrooms, iPads and other tablets are becoming
increasingly prevalent. There are thousands of blog pots and websites
dedicated to how these tools can be used to engage students and enhance
learning. Teachers are finding new ways to incorporate these tools each
and every day. But what do they do with these tablets when they’re not in
use? Follow the directions below to create an inexpensive storage rack for your
classroom tablets.
Assemble Materials:
- 5 Sheets of "Readi-Board" Foam Board (available at the Dollar Tree)
- Hot Glue Gun (with Glue)
- Pencil
- Ruler / Yard Stick
- Razor Blade (sharp, fresh blade)
Inside Cover Piece:
- Use one of the 10" x 30" pieces and measure the panels as shone above. You will need to trim an inch off the length (but measure panels - as the actual length of the board can vary)
- Use straight edge (yard stick) to guide blade and score sheet between offset marks. Be careful not to cut through bottom paper.
- Bend the sheet back to break along cut lines and peel away center foam strip.
- With the strip removed, you will be able to fold the panels into shape.
- This will nestle into the outside cover piece, in order to create a sturdier structure.
Outside Cover Piece:
- Use the other 10" x 30" piece and measure the panels as shone above. You will need to trim an inch off the length (but measure panels - as the actual length of the board can vary)
- Use straight edge (yard stick) to guide blade and score sheet between offset marks. Just like before, be careful not to cut through bottom paper.
- Bend the sheet back to break along cut lines and peel away center foam strip.
- With the strip removed, you will be able to fold the panels into shape.
- This Inside Cover (made earlier) will nestle into this outside cover piece, in order to create a sturdier structure.
- Glue the Inner & Outer Covers Together
- Use the hot-glue to adhere the Inside Cover to the Outside Cover piece.
- You will glue all three sides. We have not created a bottom (or back) at this time.
Making Shelves:
- Cut 4 sheets into panels (as shown above).
- You will use 10 - 8.25" x 20" as shelves.
- Fold 9 of the shelving pieces over on top of itself and glue. Each shelf will consist of a dual layer of foam board.
- Reserve one of the remaining shelving pieces for the back of the case (cut to size - 8 1/4" x 9 13/16"). The back will be only one foam board in thickness and may need to be trimmed in order to secure a tight fit.
Putting It All Together:
- Glue each shelf in place using the hot glue (make certain that they are attached as strait as possible) at 1" increments.
Not only is this project practical, it is also a reminder of how much easier the Metric System can make our lives (lesson learned for next time)... And that's another pint-sized PD.
