Educator Explorer Pack — 3" x 3" Material Sample Kit

A curated, classroom‑ready introduction to the full MakerStock materials catalog.

Overview

The Educator Explorer Pack is a comprehensive 3" × 3" sample kit designed specifically for teachers, makerspace coordinators, and STEM program leaders. It gives educators a tactile, side‑by‑side understanding of the materials most commonly used in laser cutting, CNC routing, crafting, and classroom prototyping.

This pack helps educators:

• Compare materials before purchasing full sheets

• Understand cut quality, engraving behavior, and finishing options

• Plan curriculum, projects, and equipment purchases with confidence

• Introduce students to real‑world materials used in design and fabrication

Included Materials

Each sample is 3" × 3", clearly labeled, and selected to represent the breadth of MakerStock’s catalog. One each of the following:

Wood & Wood‑Based Materials

• 1/8" and 1/2" Baltic Birch Plywood

• 1/8" Dyed (Two‑Sides), Clear Coat (One-Side) Baltic Birch Plywood

• 1/8" MDF

• 1/8" Eucalyptus Hardboard

• 1/16" Koskisen Thin Stock Plywood

• 1/8" and 1/4" Wood Veneer with MDF Core

• 1/8" and 1/4" Wood Veneer with Soft Core

• PSA Wood Veneer

• 3/4" Phenolic Film Face or Hex-Ply

Acrylics & Plastics

• Transparent Acrylic: 1/16", 1/8", 1/4"

• Opaque Acrylic: 1/16, 1/8", 1/4"

• Fluorescent Acrylic: 1/8", 1/4"

• Frosted/Matte Acrylic (One‑Side) – 1/8"

• Frosted/Matte Acrylic (Two‑Side) – 1/8"

• Colored Mirror Acrylic – 1/8"

• Pastel Acrylic – 1/8"

• Duets Laser XT Acrylic: 1/16", 1/8"

Specialty Materials

• Anodized Aluminum

• Stainless Steel

• Aluminum

• Stone Veneer

• Forbo Linoleum

• 1mm and 2mm Eska Board

• Cowhide Leather

• Vegan Leather

• Expanded PVC Foam - 1/8"

• ACP Panel (Aluminum Composite Panel) -1/8"

• Foam Core

• Single and Double Ply Corrugated Cardboard

Why Educators Love This Pack

• Hands‑on evaluation: See, feel, and test materials before committing to classroom quantities.

• Curriculum planning: Quickly identify which materials work best for laser cutting, engraving, CNC routing, or hand tools.

• Student‑friendly: Perfect for introducing material science, fabrication, and design thinking.

• Budget clarity: Helps educators choose the right materials for their equipment and project needs.

Ideal For

• K–12 STEM programs

• Career & technical education

• Makerspaces and fab labs

• University design, architecture, RPL, and engineering programs

• Educators new to laser cutters or CNC machines

Product Specs

• Sample size: Nominal 3" × 3"

• Labeling: Material name and QR code that links to product online

• Packaging: Organized, protected, and classroom‑ready

• Catalog coverage: Represents almost every major material family