**3.2 Woodworking and laser design experiences**

Design experiences such as woodworking and laser cutting are found to nurture STEM-related skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and innovation in K-12 students [8, 26, 27]. Using digital and physical tools in woodworking and laser cutting, K-12 students experienced the making of objects from scratch. The Product Realization Lab in RMIT used woodworking and laser cutting as components of design courses to provide students with equipment access and manufacturing training [28]. Similarly, underrepresented K-12 students designed their name tags on the laser cutter. They also participated in open-ended experimentation in the wood shop by building imaginative objects from recycled wood.
