The power of vacuum forming in education

In a rapidly evolving job market, educators face the challenge of preparing students for careers that may not yet exist. To bridge the gap between traditional education and the skills required for the future, schools must adopt tools that bring real-world applications into the classroom. One such tool is vacuum forming, a versatile, hands-on manufacturing process that offers an engaging way to enhance learning while fostering creativity and technical skills.

Vacuum forming allows students to design, prototype, and manufacture objects, offering them a direct connection to industries such as product design, engineering, and technology. This article explores how vacuum forming can enhance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and how MY YARD, a leading brand in desktop vacuum forming technology, provides teachers with an easy-to-use, classroom-friendly solution.

Learning by doing: hands-on experience for future careers

Educators worldwide recognize that experiential learning significantly enhances student engagement and problem-solving abilities. As industries place more emphasis on design, prototyping, and customization, hands-on learning equips students with the skills needed for careers in engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing.

Many industries from product design to medical technology rely on rapid prototyping and small-scale manufacturing. By introducing vacuum forming into the classroom, schools give students exposure to these vital skills, preparing them for a future shaped by technological advancements and innovation.

What is vacuum forming?

Vacuum forming is a straightforward yet powerful process in which a sheet of plastic is heated until it becomes pliable and then molded over a form using suction. This technique is widely used in industries such as packaging, automotive, healthcare, and more.
You can read more about it in our article about thermoforming.

In the classroom, vacuum forming serves as an ideal gateway for students to explore the principles of industrial design and fabrication while connecting with material science, mechanical processes, and creative problem-solving.

MY YARD brings manufacturing education into the classroom by offering the convenience of a compact desktop machine without compromising on industrial-grade performance and specifications.

A creative classroom in a few steps

Vacuum forming opens up a world of possibilities in a STEAM learning environment. It provides students with the opportunity to experiment with material behavior, iterate on designs, and prototype functional objects, all while gaining hands-on experience. Beyond merely observing theory, students actively engage with the following:

• Understanding material properties
  Students learn how materials react to heat and pressure, applying fundamental science concepts.
• Prototyping and iteration
  Students design and test real-time product prototypes, gaining an understanding of how iterative design works in the real world.
• Sustainable thinking
  The process encourages students to consider material efficiency, reuse, and sustainability.
• Applications of geometry and physics
  Through calculating dimensions, volume, and surface area, students apply mathematical principles in meaningful ways.
• Exploring industrial techniques
  Students see firsthand how vacuum forming is used in small-scale production processes, connecting classroom activities to real industries.

This hands-on approach boosts engagement, supports project-based learning, and prepares students with future-ready skills that directly connect education to industries outside the classroom.

MY YARD, the ideal vacuum forming ‘companion’ for schools

MY YARD is designed specifically for educational settings, offering:

• User-friendly operation
  Simple controls and step-by-step instructions make it easy for teachers and students to use.
• Internal vacuum pump
  No hassle with connecting an external vacuum cleaner or pump.
• Safety features
  Built with classrooms in mind, the machine includes temperature control and secure handling for young minds.
• Versatile
  Compatible with various materials and mold types for a wide range of projects.
• Durable and reliable
  Engineered for frequent use in an educational and professional setting.

One project, many subjects

Vacuum forming isn't just about making cool shapes. It’s an excellent way to integrate multiple subjects into a single project, fostering cross-disciplinary learning. Here’s how it can be tied to various STEAM fields.

These projects not only foster creativity but also cultivate essential skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

For instance, students can design custom packaging for fictional products, create molds for chocolates or soap, or build displays for student-made gadgets. With MY YARD vacuum formers, students can transform their imaginative ideas into real, hands-on projects, bringing innovation to life right in the classroom.

Science

Physics

Exploring core principles like heat transfer, air pressure, and material deformation.

Chemistry

Discussing thermoplastics, material composition, and the environmental impact of plastics, promoting sustainability and responsible material use.

Technology & engineering

Prototyping

Designing and producing functional parts such as casings, trays, or tool organizers.

Industrial applications

Examining how vacuum forming is used in various industries from packaging to automotive to healthcare.

Mathematics

Volume & surface area

Calculating the volume and surface area of objects they want to mold, applying geometry to practical, real-world projects.

Measurement skills

Teaching about precision and accuracy, reinforcing critical measurement skills and an understanding of tolerances in design.

Cooking & culinary arts

Food molds

Creating molds for chocolates, sugar work, or pastry forms, blending precision with creativity in culinary arts.

Preservation techniques

Vacuum sealing, packaging innovations, and the environmental impact of plastic in food storage.

Arts & design

Creative projects

Producing custom packaging, sculptural forms, or stage props, encouraging students to express their artistic vision through practical means.

Aesthetic development

Learning how form and aesthetics can meet function in their creations, applying design thinking principles to their projects.

Getting started with MY YARD

1. Start simple

Kick off your journey with a simple project to familiarize yourself with the tool. For example, create a shape using a basic object like a seashell or a piece of wood.

2. Learn the basics

Explore the different vacuum modes, heating parameters, and presets. MY YARD provides tutorial videos on its website to help you get started.

3. Involve your students

Let students take the lead by designing the objects they want to mold. This fosters ownership, sparks curiosity, and encourages participation.

4. Integrate into your lessons

Link vacuum forming to your lesson plans in science, design, or mathematics. Whether you're discussing material behavior and heat transfer in science, or exploring measurement in math, vacuum forming can fit seamlessly into your curriculum.

5. Experiment

Once you're comfortable, challenge your students with more advanced projects. For example, design and form reusable molds for chocolates, RC cars, or model parts for school exhibitions.

6. Collaborate with colleagues

Share your experiences and discoveries with other teachers. Vacuum forming can be applied to a wide range of subjects, and you might inspire a STEM teacher to use it for prototyping or an art teacher for creative design.

Bring creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application into the classroom with MY YARD

From STEAM integration to hands-on design, MY YARD brings real-world learning into both secondary and university classrooms.

At the secondary level, it enhances cross-curricular learning through creative, tactile projects where students can design sustainable packaging in science class, make chocolate molds in culinary lessons, or prototype rocket parts in STEAM challenges. These activities strengthen skills in design thinking, material exploration, and teamwork while making theoretical content more engaging.

At the university level, MY YARD becomes a powerful prototyping tool in architecture, industrial design, and biomedical engineering courses. Students can rapidly develop and test functional designs such as prosthetic molds or scale architectural models, bridging the gap between concept and real-world application.

Whether in secondary or higher education, vacuum forming empowers students to explore ideas hands-on, iterate efficiently, and build confidence through creative problem-solving.

From STEAM integration to hands-on design, here’s how educators can use vacuum forming to elevate learning:

Custom packaging design

Secondary level

Vacuum forming plays a key role in custom packaging especially when creating and testing prototypes like clamshell blisters. These types of packaging are widely used but require precision in mold design, folding structure, and clip alignment to ensure a secure closure.

With a vacuum former like MY YARD, students can experiment with different shapes and quickly iterate on their designs to achieve a perfect fit.

In a STEAM classroom of secondary students, this hands-on process teaches students about geometry, material science, and design thinking.

For example, students might 3D-print molds for a tri-fold clamshell blister, then vacuum form the packaging to test and refine their prototype, gaining insights into product development and eco-conscious design.

Cultural artifact replication

Art, history, engineering - secondary & university level

Hands-on artifact replication brings historical craftsmanship and cultural heritage into the classroom. With MY YARD vacuum formers, students can recreate cultural artifacts like Roman coins or Egyptian amulets by making molds from hand-sculpted or 3D-printed originals. In art history and social studies, this deepens understanding of ancient techniques, symbolism, and global traditions.

In engineering, students gain exposure to mold-making, materials, and manufacturing methods. This cross-disciplinary activity encourages precision, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation, blending historical research with modern fabrication techniques.

Through this multidisciplinary approach, students not only replicate museum-worthy pieces but also learn to tell the stories behind them blending historical research with modern fabrication tools to foster innovation rooted in the past.

Cooking skills & food molds

Culinary arts - secondary level

Creative culinary projects take shape when students learn to make custom molds using MY YARD vacuum formers and food-safe plastics. From chocolate shapes to pastry trays, students experiment with design, mold-making, and presentation. These projects introduce important concepts in food-safe material use and design accuracy, while encouraging students to express personal style through edible art. This engaging blend of precision and creativity also reinforces hygiene, functionality, and innovation in the culinary arts.

Prototyping

Engineering & health sciences - secondary & university level

Designing prosthetic components allows students to explore real-world applications that combine empathy with technical skill. Using MY YARD vacuum formers, they can create functional molds based on 3D-printed or sculpted models of limbs, simulating prosthetic development. In biology or health sciences, the project supports learning about anatomy, joint mechanics, and mobility challenges. In engineering, it introduces concepts such as rapid prototyping, user-centered design, and material behavior. This multidisciplinary approach fosters innovation while building understanding of healthcare needs and design thinking.

Architecture & model making

University level

In university-level architecture and industrial design programs, MY YARD becomes an essential tool for building scale models, topographical features, and structural components.

Students can use laser-cut or 3D-printed templates to vacuum form terrain models, roof designs, or interior components, helping them visualize and refine their ideas. Vacuum forming offers speed, precision, and consistency perfect for presenting complex architectural concepts in professional portfolios or exhibitions.

3D design & engineering

STEAM, design - seconday level

Students explore the full design-to-fabrication process by creating projects like battery-powered boats that function in water.

After modeling and 3D printing the frame, they use MY YARD vacuum formers to shape key components like hulls or rudder covers, then assemble the parts with laser-cut decks and install basic electronics.

Throughout the process, students investigate balance, buoyancy, and energy use. This project encourages iterative problem-solving and connects digital design with physical performance in a hands-on, engaging way.

Environmental impact of plastics

STEAM - secondary level

Sustainability projects challenge students to rethink how materials are sourced, used, and discarded. MY YARD vacuum formers enable experimentation with recycled and biodegradable plastics such as PLA or PETG, helping students assess material properties and environmental performance. By studying the plastic life cycle and creating sustainable packaging or reusable products, students connect design with ecological impact. This project fosters eco-conscious thinking and empowers students to innovate responsibly for a more sustainable future.

More time for teaching, less time prepping

MY YARD's desktop vacuum forming machines streamline the prototyping process, allowing you to spend less time prepping and more time teaching. Here are a few ideas to maximize your classroom experience:

• Start simple
  Begin with pre-made molds before diving into custom designs.
• Combine with 3D printing
  Use 3D-printed molds to give students a seamless experience between digital and physical prototyping.
• Encourage iteration
  Let students refine their designs through multiple iterations, reinforcing the design and engineering cycle.
• Link to real-world applications
  Show how vacuum forming is used in industries such as packaging, automotive, and product design.
• Focus on sustainability
  Use recyclable plastics or encourage students to reuse materials to foster environmental consciousness.
• Promote teamwork
  Assign group projects where students take on different roles, from designers to fabricators to quality control.

Conclusion

By integrating vacuum forming into education, teachers can provide students with hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers. MY YARD offers an ideal solution for schools seeking to equip students with industry-relevant skills in a safe, engaging, and practical way.

For more resources and project ideas visit our projects section. Let's shape the future of education together!

Discover our range of vacuum formers

The MY YARD desktop vacuum forming machines are perfect for education, thanks to their ease of use and compact size.

Explore our products to see how vacuum forming can enhance your classroom.