The purposeful task performed with hand tools and wood parallels the intentional work and responsible laborers of the outside world.
Woodworking begins in grade five when students harvest wood from nature and use hand tools to give it form and function. Students are introduced to botany and the properties inherent in various woods. Their senses are awakened to many experiences: their hands begin to develop strength; hand and eye coordination improves with the repetition of movement; and technique is developed.
In the sixth grade the use of a ruler is introduced to create accurate measurements. Projects are conceived on paper and then fabricated methodically. By this process, the student can learn to make that which he learns to conceive. During this year students are introduced to the history of woodworking and are assigned a research report accompanied by a presentation. Projects this year help prepare the way for geometry and perspective drawing in the seventh grade.
By grade seven, the adolescent student is looking more into themselves. They are studying the Middle Ages, the Renaissance period and the age of exploration. In this year, the students’ woodwork projects have moveable parts. They are introduced to wood block printing where their printed images are created by extracting light from dark. New math skills in proportions and geometry are applied to the construction of a working moveable model.
In the eighth grade the students are more aware of their physical world and their personal appearance. This year they are challenged by projects that are layered with detailed processes and problem solving. Students increase their focus and continue to refine their accuracy, creativity, and most of all, patience. This year's work helps develop endurance and confidence in preparation for high school.
Our Woodworking teacher is Francisco Moreno