Shop 100: Toolbox
What do tools do? Where does lumber come from? How does a tree grow? Let's learn! Students will learn to use basic hand tools and practice shop safety through hands on demonstrations of measuring, cutting, and assembly from plans. Each student will build a custom toolbox to carry forward into subsequent classes. For ages 8-12.
Goals:
1. Establish proficiency in hand tool use and safety protocols in shop.
2. Instill confidence to read and execute end products from plans.
3. Provide lessons in wood species identification, and native and situational ecologies.
4. Create a a safe and inclusive environment for all learners.
5. Ground carpentry in Maine’s forest ecology and cultural history.
Class Syllabus
Foundations – From Tree to Toolbox
We begin the class by situating students in the forest with an ecology lesson. Our goal is to keep the tree in the timber as we progress through the building process. A short tree ID walk on the way to the sawmill prepares students to grasp how a tree becomes lumber. Students will learn a short history of the Maine timber industry, and witness a sawmill demonstration.
Back in the Shop students will learn the purpose and application of basic hand tools: tape measure, speed/combo/framing square, plumb bob, spirit level, chalk line, pull saw and appropriate safety gear through the concepts of Straight, Square, Plumb, Level, Angle, and Tolerance or SSPLAT.
Students will witness the entire process of producing each component piece of the Toolbox. They will apply skills from SSPLAT concepts and learn to read and construct parts from plans.
Instructors will demonstrate the use of shop tools: chop, table, band, and jig saws and router table. Students will measure and mark their own pieces to prepare for cutting, assembly, and finishing. A short field trip to the forest edge will reinforce species identification for harvest of the living handle.
Lunch 12:00-12:30; students bring their own lunch**
Open House
Parents and guests are encouraged to visit during class hours to observe our class in action. We will open for questions and answers during the lunch breaks. We request that visitors please allow for focus and attention during class times and reserve interactions for Lunch from roughly 12:00-12:30pm. Parents are welcome to join us during lunch.
