Project ideas for Middle School kids
I have been teaching woodworking to a group of middle school kids for a couple of hours a week for the past 8 weeks. We built a book rack, a desk clock, wooden pens, and a bowling game in that time. I have now been asked to do an advanced class and I'm at a complete loss for ideas of what to do next. The sessions are 2 hours, 1 day a week for 8 weeks so we have 16 hours of instruction. The other constraint is that materials need to cost under $25/kid.
Anybody have any ideas of some projects that kids would like that would teach them some advanced skills? They are already proficient on all of the machines, so I'm thinking it's more about joinery techniques or something like that. Help!
Project ideas for Middle School kids
This link describes two books that might give you ideas:
http://home.earthlink.net/~mchkee/
The 4th chapter of Builder Boards documents a service learning project where nine eighth graders measured, cut, notched, beveled, sanded, oiled, stapled, glued, and videotaped the construction process. After serious deliberation, which was an important part of the process, they chose a women's shelter to receive the set.
Keith
How about Bandsaw Boxes for a Project
Mr. Colvin,
How about each student design their own bandsaw box. There are many patterns available to use if the students don't want to design their own. The whole process would include wood preparation, layout, sawing with bandsaw, sanding, and finishing. The material would be inexpensive since they can be made from plain wood to exotics. Most material dimensions will be around 7" thick x 8" tall x 12 to 14" long. Glue 7 boards together to make a block to cut the box out of. Just a suggestion.
JamesHuntsville